Mature Dendritic Cell Compositions and Methods of Culturing Same

ABSTRACT

This invention provides novel CD40L polypeptides and nucleic acids, as well as antigen presenting cells and vaccines comprising such CD40L polypeptides and/or nucleic acids, and related methods for preparing the antigen presenting cells and vaccines. The antigen presenting cells and vaccines are useful for enhancing an immune response. The invention provides a method for preparing mature dendritic cells (DCs), comprising the sequential steps of: (a) signaling isolated immature dendritic cells (iDCs) with a first signal comprising an interferon gamma receptor (IFN-?R) agonist and/or a tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor (TNF-?R) agonist to produce signaled dendritic cells; and (b) signaling said signaled dendritic cells with a second transient signal comprising an effective amount of a CD40 agonist to produce CCR7+ mature dendritic cells. Also provided by this invention are enriched populations of dendritic cells prepared by the methods of the invention. Such dendritic cells have enhanced immunostimulatory properties and increased IL-12 secretion and/or decreased IL-10 secretion. CD40 signaling can be initiated by one or more of polypeptide translated from an exogenous polynucleotide encoding CD40L (e.g., mRNA or DNA), an agonistic antibody to CD40 receptor or by CD40 ligand polypeptide. The enriched populations can be further modified by the administration of an immunogen to the DC. The DC will take up and process the immunogen on its cell surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to truncated CD40L proteins and nucleic acids and methods of use for vaccines and the generation of mature dendritic cells.

BACKGROUND

Cell therapy utilizes modified antigen presenting cells (APCs) or immune effector cells to initiate an immune response in a patient. Antigen presenting cells are central to cell therapy because they initiate the immune response. Indeed, they are the only cells capable of inducing a primary immune response from T lymphocytes.

Dendritic cells (DC) are the most potent APCs involved in adaptive immunity. They coordinate the initiation of immune responses by naive T cells and B cells and induce antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. DCs are specialized in several ways to prime helper and killer T cells in vivo. For example, immature DCs that reside in peripheral tissues are equipped to capture antigens and to produce immunogenic MHC-peptide complexes. In response to maturation-inducing stimuli such as inflammatory cytokines, immature DCs develop into potent T cell stimulators by up-regulating adhesion and costimulatory molecules. At the same time, they migrate into secondary lymphoid organs to select and stimulate rare antigen-specific T cells. However, potent stimulation of T cells occurs only after DC maturation, a process that increases the availability of MHC/peptide complexes on the cell surface, in addition to co-stimulatory molecules, that direct the effector function of the responding T-cells. Indeed, immature DCs may be harmful in anti-tumor and in other immunotherapy because they can induce immunotolerance rather than immunostimulation.

Co-stimulation is typically necessary for a T cell to produce sufficient cytokine levels that induce clonal expansion. One characteristic of dendritic cells which makes them potent antigen presenting cells is that they are rich in co-stimulatory molecules of the immune response, such as the molecules CD80 and CD86, which activate the molecule CD28 on T lymphocytes. In return, T-helper cells express CD40L, which ligates CD40 on DCs. These mutual interactions between DCs and T-cells leads to ‘maturation’ of the former, and the development of effector function in the latter. The expression of adhesion molecules, like the molecule CD54 or the molecule CD11a/CD18, facilitate the co-operation between the dendritic cells and the T-cells. Another special characteristic of dendritic cells is to deploy different functions depending on their stage of differentiation. Thus, the capture of the antigen and its transformation are the two principal functions of the immature dendritic cell, whereas its capacities to present the antigen in order to stimulate the T cells increases as the dendritic cells migrate into the tissues and the lymphatic ganglia. This change of functionality corresponds to a maturation of the dendritic cell. Thus, the passage of the immature dendritic cell to the mature dendritic cell represents a fundamental step in the initiation of the immune response. Traditionally, this maturation was followed by monitoring the change of the surface markers on the DCs during this process. Some of the more important cell surface markers characteristic of the different stages of maturation of the dendritic cells are summarized in Table I, below. However, the surface markers can vary depending upon the maturation process.

TABLE I Cell type Surface markers Hematopoietic stem cell CD34+ Monocytes CD14++, DR+, CD86+, CD16+/−, CD54+, CD40+ Immature dendritic cell CD14+/−, CD16−, CD80+/−, CD83−, CD86+, CD1a+, CD54+, DQ+, DR++ Mature dendritic cell CD14−, CD83++, CD86++, CD80++, DR+++, DQ++, CD40++, CD54++, CD1a+/−

Mature DCs are currently preferred to immature DCs for immunotherapy. Only fully mature DC progeny lack GM-CSF Receptor (GM-CSF-R) and remain stably mature upon removal/in the absence of GM-CSF. Also, mature DCs have been shown to be superior in inducing T cell responses in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, immature DCs are reported to induce tolerance in vitro (Jonuleit et al. (2000) Exp. Med. 192:1213) as well as in vivo (Dhodapkar et al. (2001) Exp. Med. 193:233) by inducing regulatory T cells. Mature dendritic cells also are useful to take up and present antigen to T-lymphocytes in vitro or in vivo. The modified, antigen presenting DCs and/or T cells educated from these modified DCs have many applications, including diagnostic, therapy, vaccination, research, screening and gene delivery.

It is difficult to isolate mature dendritic cells from peripheral blood because less than 1% of the white blood cells belongs to this category. Mature DCs are also difficult to extract from tissues. This difficulty, in combination with the potential therapeutic benefit of DCs in cell therapy, has driven research and development toward new methods to generate mature dendritic cells using alternative sources. Several methods are reported to produce mature DCs from immature dendritic cells.

For example, Jonuleit et al. (Eur J Immunol (1997) 12:3135-3142) disclose maturation of immature human DCs by culture in medium containing a cytokine cocktail (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and PGE₂).

WO 95/28479 discloses a process for preparing dendritic cells by isolating peripheral blood cells and enriching for CD34⁺ blood precursor cells, followed by expansion with a combination of hematopoietic growth factors and cytokines.

European Patent Publication EP-A-0 922 758 discloses the production of mature dendritic cells from immature dendritic cells derived from pluripotential cells having the potential of expressing either macrophage or dendritic cell characteristics. The method requires contacting the immature dendritic cells with a dendritic cell maturation factor containing IFN-γ.

European Patent Publication EP-B-0 633930 teaches the production of human dendritic cells by first culturing human CD34⁺ hematopoietic cells (i) with GM-CSF, (ii) with TNF-α and IL-3, or (iii) with GM-CSF and TNF-α to induce the formation of CD1a⁺ hematopoietic cells.

Patent Publication No. 2004/0152191 discloses the maturation of dendritic cells by contacting them with RU 41740.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0146492 teaches a process for producing recombinant dendritic cells by transforming hematopoietic stem cells followed by differentiation of the stem cells into dendritic cells by culture in medium containing GM-CSF.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0038398 discloses methods for the preparation of substantially purified populations of DCs and monocytes from the peripheral blood of mammals. Myeloid cells are isolated from the mammal and DCs are separated from this population to yield an isolated subpopulation of monocytes. DCs are then enriched by negative selection with anti-CD2 antibodies to remove T cells.

Although mature DCs are functionally competent and are therefore useful to induce antigen-specific T cells, not all mature DCs are optimized to induce these responses. It has been shown that some mature DCs may also stimulate T helper cells by secreting IL-12. Macatonia et al. (1995) Immunol. 154:507 1; Ahuja et al. (1998) Immunol. 161:868 and Unintford et al. (1999) Immunol. 97:588. IL-12 also has been shown to enhance antigen-specific CD8+ T cell response to antigen in an animal model. Schmidt et al. (1999) Immunol. 163:2561.

Mosca et al. (2000) Blood 96:3499, disclose that culture of DC in AIM V medium containing both soluble CD40L trimer and IFNγ 1b results in increased IL-12 expression in comparison to culture in medium containing only soluble CD40L trimer.

Koya et al. (2003) J. Immunother. 26(5):451 report that IL-12 expression can be enhanced by stable transduction of immature DCs, in the presence of IFNγ, with a lentivirus vector encoding CD40 Ligand. Greater than 90% of the CD40L transduced DCs expressed CD83 on their cell surface. Unfortunately, lentivirus transduced cells are not suitable for therapeutic purposes, and proviral integration into the genome of the transduced cell can result in leukemia. Furthermore, persistent expression of CD40L may have detrimental effects on APC function and viability.

The work of Koya et al. supplemented the earlier work of Mackey, et al. (1998) J. Immunol. 161:2094 who reported that in vivo, DCs require maturation via CD40 to generate anti-tumor immunity. Similarly, Kuniyoshi, J. S. et al. (1999) Cell Immunol. 193:48 have shown that DCs treated with soluble trimeric CD40 Ligand plus IFN-γ stimulated potent T-cell proliferation and induced T cells with augmented antigen-specific lysis. Kalady, M. F. et al. (2004) J. Surg. Res. 116:24, reported that human monocyte derived DCs transfected with mRNA encoding melanoma antigen MART-1 or influenza M1 matrix protein exposed to different maturation stimuli added either simultaneously or sequentially showed variability in antigen presentation, IL-12 secretion and immunogenicity of effector T cells raised in the presence of these DCs. Most importantly, this study showed that the application of a ‘cytokine cocktail’ consisting of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and PGE₂, followed by extracellular soluble CD40L protein was superior to applying all the agents simultaneously. However, these authors did not study the combination of IFN-γ signaling with transient CD40L signaling in a sequential process. Moreover, despite the production of IL-12 when IFN-γ and CD40L are concomitantly added to the culture medium, the recent prior art shows that the resulting DCs are actually immunosuppressive, rather than pro-inflammatory (Hwu et al. (2000) J. Immunol. 164: 3596; Munn et al. (2002) 297:1867; and Grohmann et al. (2003) Trends Immunol. 24:242) due to the induction of an enzyme that metabolized tryptophan resulting in the starvation of responder T-cells that then fail to proliferate. Thus, current literature suggests that the combination of IFN-γ and CD40L should not increase immunopotency. The present invention addresses the long-felt need to provide improved methods for DC maturation and mature DCs with enhanced immunopotency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Applicants have discovered that potent immunostimulation occurs when immature dendritic cells are sequentially signaled with a first signal comprising an interferon gamma receptor (IFN-γR) agonist followed by a second signal comprising a CD40 agonist. The DCs may be immature or mature at the time the second signal is given.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for preparing mature dendritic cells (DCs), comprising the sequential steps of (a) signaling isolated immature dendritic cells (iDCs) with a first signal comprising an interferon gamma receptor (IFN-γR) agonist, and optionally a TNF-αR agonist, to produce signaled dendritic cells; and (b) signaling said signaled dendritic cells with a second transient signal comprising an effective amount of a CD40 agonist to produce CCR7⁺ mature dendritic cells.

In preferred embodiments, the immature DCs are further contacted with PGE₂ and optionally with TNF-α. In some embodiments the method further comprises contacting the immature DCs, signaled DCs and/or CCR7⁺ mature dendritic cells with a compound selected from the group consisting of galactosylceramides, glycosylceramides, galactofuranosylceramides, arabinopyranosylceramides, α-C-galactosylceramides and α-S-galactosylceramides. Preferably the compound is a galactosylceramide. Most preferably, the galactosylceramide is (2S,3S,4R)-1-O-(alpha-D-galactopyranosyl)-2-(N-hexacosanoylamino)-1,3,4-octadecanetriol (KRN7000).

In some embodiments of the invention, the IFN-γR agonist can either be replaced by a tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor (TNF-αR) agonist or used in combination with a TNF-αR agonist. For example, in one embodiment, the invention provides a method for preparing an enriched population of mature dendritic cells (DCs), comprising sequentially signaling immature dendritic cells with a first signal comprising a tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor (TNF-αR) agonist followed by a second signal comprising a CD40 agonist, thereby preparing an enriched population of mature dendritic cells, wherein said signaling is in the absence of an effective amount of IL-1β or IL-6. Preferably, the immature DCs are further contacted with PGE₂.

Preferred IFN-γR agonists are mammalian IFN-γ, preferably human IFN-γ and active fragments thereof. Preferred TNF-αR agonists are mammalian TNF-α, preferably human TNF-α and active fragments thereof. Preferred CD40 agonists are mammalian CD40 Ligands (CD40L), preferably human CD40L and active fragments and variants thereof, as well as agonistic antibodies to CD40 receptor. Most preferably, the CD40L agonist is a novel CD40L polypeptide provided herein, consisting of or consisting essentially of amino acid residues 21-261 of SEQ ID NO:2. Nucleic acids encoding the novel CD40L polypeptide, transfected DCs and related vaccines are also provided.

Signaling can be initiated by providing the signaling agonist in the culture medium, introduction of the agonist into the cell, and/or upon translation within the dendritic cell of an mRNA encoding an agonistic polypeptide. The method can be practiced in vivo or ex vivo. Dendritic cells matured ex vivo according to the methods of the invention can then be administered to the subject to induce or enhance an immune response.

Each of the dendritic cells can be further modified by the administration of an immunogen to the DC. The DC will take up and process the immunogen, and display it on its cell surface. The immunogen can be delivered in vivo or ex vivo. The matured, cultured DCs can be administered to a subject to induce or enhance an immune response. In yet a further embodiment, the antigen loaded mature DCs are used to educate naïve immune effector cells.

In another aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising in vitro matured dendritic cells, such as CD83⁺ CCR7⁻ mature DCs and CD83⁺ CCR7⁺ mature DCs. Mature dendritic cells of the invention express increased levels of IL-12 in comparison to immature dendritic cells, and/or express less than 500 pg IL-10 per million dendritic cells.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a dendritic cell which preferentially induces a population of CD28⁺ CD45RA⁻ memory/effector T cells from a population of antigen-specific T cells. The compositions of the invention are useful to raise an immune response in a subject by administering to the subject an effective amount of the population.

The invention further provides recombinant truncated CD40L polypeptides consisting of, or consisting essentially of, amino acid residues 21-261 of SEQ ID NO:2. In another embodiment, the invention provides recombinant CD40L polypeptides consisting of, or consisting essentially of, a polypeptide have at least 80% amino acid homology to amino acid residues 21-261 of SEQ ID NO:2. In another embodiment, the invention provides nucleic acids encoding these truncated CD40L polypeptides, as well as vectors, dendritic cells and vaccines comprising such nucleic acids.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for preparing mature dendritic cells (DCs), comprising the sequential steps of: a) signaling isolated immature dendritic cells (iDCs) with a first signal comprising an interferon gamma receptor (IFN-γR) agonist, and optionally, a TNF-γR agonist, to produce IFN-γR agonist signaled dendritic cells; and b) signaling said IFN-γR agonist signaled dendritic cells with a second transient signal comprising an effective amount of a CD40L polypeptide to produce CCR7⁺ mature dendritic cells; wherein the CD40L polypeptide consists essentially of amino acid residues 21-261 of SEQ ID NO:2 or is a polypeptide having at least 80% sequence identity to amino acid residues 21-261 of SEQ ID NO:2. Preferably, the first signal comprises IFN-γ, TNF-α and PGE₂ and step (b) comprises transfecting said dendritic cells with an RNA encoding said CD40L polypeptide.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEQUENCE LISTING

SEQ ID NO:1 is a human CD40L cDNA. Nucleotides 40 to 825 represent the coding region, including the ATG translation start codon and the TGA translational stop codon.

SEQ ID NO:2 is an amino acid sequence for full length human CD40L protein.

SEQ ID NO:3 is a human CD40 cDNA. Nucleotides 67 to 522 represent the coding region, including the ATG translation start codon and the TAG translational stop codon.

SEQ ID NO:4 is an amino acid sequence for human CD40 (the receptor for CD40L).

SEQ ID NO:5 is a human IFN-γ cDNA. Nucleotides 109 to 609 represent the coding region, including the ATG translation start codon and the translational stop codon.

SEQ ID NO:6 is an amino acid sequence for human IFN-γ.

SEQ ID NO:7 is a human TNF-α cDNA. Nucleotides 170 to 971 represent the coding region, including the ATG translation start codon and the TGA translational stop codon.

SEQ ID NO:8 is an amino acid sequence for human TNF-α.

SEQ ID NO:9 is a mouse CD40L cDNA. Nucleotides 13 to 795 represent the coding region, including the ATG translation start codon and the TGA translational stop codon.

SEQ ID NO:10 is an amino acid sequence for full length mouse CD40L protein.

SEQ ID NO:11 is a CD40L 5′ primer.

SEQ ID NO:12 is a CD40L 3′ primer.

SEQ ID NO:13 is the DNA sequence corresponding to an optimized human CD40L mRNA.

SEQ ID NO:14 is the CD40 Receptor 3′UTR.

SEQ ID NO:15 is the untranslated region of final exon of the human beta-actin 3′ UTR.

SEQ ID NO:16 is the minimal functional element of the human beta-actin 3′ UTR.

SEQ ID NO:17 is the simian rotavirus Gene 6 3′UTR.

SEQ ID NO:18 is the minimal functional element of the simian rotavirus Gene 6 3′UTR.

SEQ ID NO:19 is the human Hsp70 5′UTR (HSPA1A).

SEQ ID NO:20 is the mouse VEGF 5′UTR.

SEQ ID NO:21 is the minimal functional element of the mouse VEGF 5′UTR.

SEQ ID NO:22 is the Spleen Necrosis Virus LTR RU5 Region.

SEQ ID NO:23 is the Tobacco Etch Virus 5′ Leader sequence.

SEQ ID NOs:24-26 are HLA-A201 restricted MART-APL peptide, native peptide and PSA-1 peptide, respectively.

SEQ ID NO:27 is the human α-globin 3′UTR.

SEQ ID NO:28 is the human β-globin 3′UTR.

SEQ ID NO:29 is the human β-globin 3′UTR, minus Purine-Rich Element 3.

SEQ ID NO:30 shows the cDNA sequence corresponding to the CD40L RNA transcribed from the ΔXE-met1 plasmid, prior to polyadenylation.

SEQ ID NO:31 shows the sequence of the CD40L polypeptide translated from the RNA of SEQ ID NO:30, and is equivalent to amino acid residues 21-261 of SEQ ID NO:2.

SEQ ID NO:32 shows the cDNA sequence corresponding to the RNA transcribed from the CD40L ΔXE+rotavirus gene 6 3′UTR plasmid.

SEQ ID NO:33 shows the cDNA sequence corresponding to the RNA transcribed from the CD40L ΔXE-met1+rotavirus gene 6 3′UTR plasmid.

SEQ ID NO:34 shows the sequence of pARG CD40L MET1. The +1 of the CD40L MET1 RNA is at nucleotide residue 3566. The 3′ terminus of the CD40L MET1 transcript is at nucleotide residue 4480. The translational initiation codon is at nucleotide residues 3666 to 3668.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows that sequential maturation of DCs with IFN-γ then soluble CD40L results in optimal IL-12p70 secretion. DCs were matured with cytokine cocktail, soluble CD40L alone, or with soluble CD40L plus IFN-γ. Pre-incubation of immature DCs with 1000 U/ml of IFN-γ for 18 hrs, followed by addition of soluble CD40L for a further 18 hrs results in maximum IL-12p70 release. Applying soluble CD40L first, followed by IFN-γ is perceived as a negative signal, with minimal IL-12p70 release, accompanied by IL-10.

FIG. 2 shows that HELA cells transfected with mRNA encoding CD40L and having a polyA tail of >100 nucleotides express cell surface protein, as defined by FACS analysis with anti-CD40L (CD154) antibody.

FIG. 3 shows that IL-12p70 secretion from CD40L mRNA transfected cells is proportional to the size of the transfection payload. DCs were transfected with a titration of CD40L mRNA followed immediately by the addition of 1000 U/ml IFN-γ. Significant levels of IL-12p70 were released using 2 μg to 4 μg of CD40L mRNA per million DCs.

FIG. 4 shows the effect of IFN-γ concentration on IL-12 and IL-10 secretion by DCs transfected with 4 μg CD40L mRNA per million cells, and then immediately incubated with the indicated amounts of IFN-γ. IL-12p70 and IL-10 were measured in culture supernatants after 24 hrs. About 100 U/ml as well as higher concentrations of IFN-γ synergize with the CD40L mRNA payload to induce maximal IL-12p70 secretion.

FIG. 5A shows that IL-12p70 secretion induced by CD40L/IFN-γ occurs at the 20 hour and 24 hour timepoints after transfection of DCs and culture in the presence of IFN-γ. DCs were transfected with 4 μg CD40L mRNA per million cells, and immediately cultured with 1000 U/ml IFN-γ. Supernatants were collected from replica cultures at the designated times, and assayed for IL-12p70 and IL-10 content.

FIG. 5B shows that addition of TNF-α to CD40L mRNA transfected DCs results in the generation of IL-12p70, but the level of expression is less than that achieved with IFN-γ as the co-maturation agent.

FIG. 5C shows that the use of TNF-α as the co-maturation factor also results in elevated levels of IL-10 compared to the use of IFN-γ.

FIGS. 6A-C show that DCs transfected with mRNA encoding CD40L demonstrate cellular expression as defined by FACS analysis with anti-CD40L (CD154) antibody. DCs were transfected with 4 μg CD40L mRNA per million cells and analyzed at various time points. FIG. 6A shows that the majority of CD40L is localized within an intracellular compartment as demonstrated by a 4 hour time point where surface expression is considerably lower. FIG. 6B shows that significant intracellular expression is evident at 60 minutes with 27% positive DCs and increasing to 79% by 3 hours. FIG. 6C shows transient expression of CD40L protein post transfection of DC with CD40L encoding mRNA.

FIG. 7 shows that DCs transfected with CD40L mRNA and cultured in the presence of IFN-γ secrete IL-12p70 despite the presence of an excess of blocking anti-CD40L antibody, indicating that CD40/CD40L interactions operate within an “intracellular” compartment. DCs were transfected with 4 μg CD40L mRNA and immediately cultured with 1000 U/ml IFN-γ in the presence of either 10 or 50 μg/ml of blocking anti-CD40L antibody. IL-12 p70 release is reduced by only 50%, indicating that intracellular signaling, rather than cell to cell signaling is the primary pathway for the induction of IL-12p70.

FIG. 8 shows that DCs transfected with CD40L mRNA and co-cultured with IFN-γ require the presence of PGE₂ to enable chemokine dependent migration. DCs were transfected with a titration of CD40L mRNA and immediately incubated with 1000 U/ml IFN-γ and 1 μg/ml PGE₂. DCs transfected with eGFP and matured with a cytokine cocktail containing PGE₂ represent a positive control. After 18 hrs of maturation, DCs from each culture condition were tested in “transwell” migration assays against the lymph node homing chemokines, CCL19 and 21. DC migration was proportional to the size of the CD40L mRNA payload.

FIG. 9 shows that DCs matured via transfection with CD40L mRNA and cultured in the presence of IFN-γ and PGE₂ invoke efficient T-cell “recall responses” when compared to DCs matured in the presence of the “cytokine cocktail”. DCs were co-transfected with 2 μg flu M1 mRNA per million cells as antigen payload, and 4 mg eGFP mRNA control, and subsequently matured with cytokine cocktail. Alternatively, DCs were co-transfected with 2 μg flu M1 mRNA per million cells as antigen payload, and 4 μg CD40L mRNA as the maturation payload. These latter cells were immediately cultured in 1000 U/ml IFN-γ and 1 μg/ml PGE₂ to complete the maturation process. After 24 hrs, each DC population was used in ELISpot assays to recruit anti-flu M1 recall responses, as determined by the frequency of responding T-cells secreting IFN-γ. DCs matured by transfection with CD40L mRNA in the presence of IFN-γ and PGE₂ invoked a more potent anti-flu response.

FIG. 10 shows that DCs matured via transfection with CD40L mRNA and cultured in the presence of IFN-γ and PGE₂ invoke a more efficient “primary T-cell responses” when compared to DCs matured in the presence of the “cytokine cocktail”. DCs were transfected with 2 μg MART-APL mRNA per million cells as antigen payload, and subsequently matured with cytokine cocktail. Alternatively, DCs were co-transfected with 2 μg MART-APL mRNA per million cells as antigen payload, and 4 μg CD40L mRNA as the maturation payload. These latter cells were immediately cultured in 1000 U/ml IFN-γ and 1 μg/ml PGE₂ to complete the maturation process. After 24 hrs, each DC population was used to raise T-cell responses to MART-APL peptide sequences, generated from the transfected MART-APL mRNA payload, by co-culture of autologous naive CD8+ T-cells for 7 days in the presence of 0.2 U/ml of IL-2. After this first round of stimulation, T-cells were harvested and established in IL-2 ELISpot assays and restimulated with the appropriately matured, antigen loaded DCs. DCs matured by transfection with CD40L mRNA in the presence of IFN-γ and PGE₂ invoked a more potent anti-MART-APL response as determined by the frequency of responder CD8+ T-cells secreting IL-2.

FIG. 11 shows the induction of cytotoxic T-cells by DCs expressing MART-APL mRNA. FIG. 11 a shows that maturation of DCs using co-transfection with MART-APL mRNA as source of antigen, and CD40L mRNA, with the addition of soluble interferon-γ/PGE₂ invokes an effective CTL response, whereas FIG. 11 b shows that DCs transfected with MART-APL mRNA, but matured with a ‘cytokine cocktail’, do not. T2-PSA: T2 cells pulsed with an HLA-A2 restricted peptide from prostate-specific antigen (PSA) as a negative control target. MART-T2: T2 cells pulsed with the HLA-A2 restricted MART epitope in its native sequence. MART-APL-T2: T2 cells pulsed with the HLA-A2 restricted MART epitope as the preferred ‘altered peptide ligand’.

FIG. 12 shows the migratory capacity of PME-CD40L matured DCs in transwell assays to the lymph node chemokines, CCL19 and 21. Four independent healthy donors were tested in parallel, with each DC preparation being transfected with 1 amplified total RCC tumor RNA, along with 4 μg CD40L RNA per million DCs. Migration assays were set up 24 hrs post transfection with the mRNA payloads.

FIG. 13 shows the induction of CTL responses from a healthy donor to the melanoma-associated antigen, MART-1. DCs were prepared and loaded with MART-1 RNA and matured via the ‘CD40L base process’ or DCs were prepared using the PME-CD40L process. DCs and purified CD8 T-cells were co-cultured in a 1:10 ratio, undergoing three rounds of stimulation in the presence of IL-2. The data shows ⁵¹Cr release cytotoxic assays using MART-1 peptide pulsed T2 target cells across a range of effector-target ratios.

FIG. 14 shows the induction of a fully autologous CTL response to DCs loaded with total amplified RCC tumor RNA, PME-CD40L matured DCs. DCs and purified CD8 T-cells were co-cultured in a 1:10 ratio, undergoing three rounds of stimulation in the presence of IL-2. 5 days after the last stimulation, CD8 T-cells were restimulated with DCs transfected with: total amplified RCC RNA, hTERT RNA, Survivin RNA, G250 RNA or negative control DCs transfected with eGFP RNA. The data is derived from identifying responder T-cells by cell surface staining for the activation marker, CD69, and simultaneously detection of intracellular IFN-γ and IL-2. Intracellular cytokine responses were subdivided to identify IFN-γ single positive (effector T cells) from IFN-γ/IL-2 double positive (memory T cells).

FIG. 15 shows the expansion of NKT-cells (a) and MART-1 reactive CTLs (b) by MART-1 RNA transfected CD40L base process matured DCs pulsed with KRN7000 or vehicle. The data clearly shows that KRN7000 pulsed DC can expand NKT-cells as defined by CD1d/KRN7000 tetramer staining, and that the presence of an expanded population of NKT-cells can increase the concomitant recruitment of primary CTLs to MART-1, as defined by tetramer staining with MART-1/HLA-A2 tetramers.

FIG. 16 shows the alignment of the human (SEQ ID NO:1) and mouse (SEQ ID NO:9) CD40L cDNAs. FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C represent 3 consecutive pages of the alignment of SEQ ID NO:1 and 2.

FIG. 17 shows the alignment of the human (SEQ ID NO:2) and mouse (SEQ ID NO:10) CD40L proteins.

FIG. 18 shows the level of IL-12 expression by DC transfected with mRNA transcribed from pCR2.1 CD40L WT Delta X-E plasmid in 100 μg scale (Delta X-E1) or 1 mg scale (Delta X-E2) transcription reactions using mMessage mMachine T7 Ultra kit (Ambion). Reference RNA was transcribed from plasmid pCR2.1 CD40L WT. The transcribed CD40L RNAs were modified by addition of polyA tail using a Poly(A) Plus Kit (Epicentre). RNAs were transfected into DCs. Approximately 20 hrs post transfection the amount of IL-12 was measured in the supernatant of the matured DCs using Elisa. Negative control: IL-12 expression measured in the supernatant of DCs electroporated without any CD40L RNA.

FIG. 19 shows the level of IL-12 in supernatants of DC culture transfected with various RNA constructs. In order to assess the impact of the various 5′UTR sequences on CD40L protein expression and the induction of IL-12 cytokine, three RNAs were generated from the plasmids pCR2.1 CD40L WT, pCR2.1 CD40L ΔXE, and pCR2.1 CD40L+5UTR using the mMessage mMachine T7 Ultra transcription kit. The transcribed RNAs were polyadenylated and purified using an RNeasy kit (Qiagen). The purified RNAs were transfected into mature DCs. IL-12 cytokine induction in the DC culture was measured by ELISA in collected supernatants.

FIG. 20 shows SDS-PAGE resolution of in vitro translated [³⁵S]-methionine labeled CD40L protein derived from RNAs containing various 5′UTRs.

FIG. 21 shows SDS-PAGE resolution of [³⁵S]-methionine labeled CD40L proteins in vitro translated from mRNAs containing normal and mutated start codons.

FIG. 22 shows dendritic cells transfected with various CD40L RNAs and stained with an anti-CD154 (CD40L) antibody. Left Panel: Percentage of CD40L positive cells after 4 hours. Right panel: Mean Fluorescent intensity of CD40L staining. CD40L WT, the original RNA construct, serves as a positive control. GFP RNA transfected cells serve as a negative control.

FIG. 23 shows the expression profile of IL-10 and IL-12 in DC transfected with various CD40L RNAs.

FIG. 24 shows the isoforms of the in vitro translation products derived from various CD40L mRNAs. The table in this figure shows amount of IL-12 cytokine expressed by dendritic cells transfected with these CD40L mRNAs.

FIG. 25 shows secretion of IL-10 and IL-12 by dendritic cells transfected with the indicated modified CD40L RNAs.

FIG. 26 shows SDS-PAGE resolution of the translation products of the CD40L polypeptides produced from the indicated CD40L RNAs.

FIG. 27 shows the secretion levels of IL-10 and IL-12 by dendritic cells transfected with the indicated modified CD40L RNAs.

FIG. 28 shows the increased percentage of Mart-1 reactive CTL on day 10 in co-cultures with DC generated with the PME-CD40L process compared to other methods of generating DC such as DC electroporated with CD40L RNA and Mart-1 RNA and cultured for 4 hours with IFN-γ and PGE₂ (CD40L) or DC matured with cytokines (TFNα, IFN-γ and PGE₂) overnight then electroporated with Mart-1 RNA and cultured for 4 hours (TIP) or immature DC electroporated with MART-1 RNA and co-cultured with cytokine cocktail (IL-6, IL-1β, TFNα, IFNγ, PGE₂) for 4 hours (Cytokines).

FIG. 29 shows the time course of CD28 receptor expression in MART-1 CTL co-cultured with DCs prepared by the PME-CD40L process, TIP process, CD40L base process or the cytokine cocktail process.

FIG. 30 shows that PME-CD40L generated DC in contrast to other methods of generating mature DC are capable of priming MART-1 specific CTL that retain the capacity to produce both IL-2 and IFN-γ.

FIG. 31 shows the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of IFN-γ positive CTL as a measure of the overall level of cytokine being produced by Mart-1 CTL.

FIG. 32 shows a Western Blot analysis of in vitro translated products from Om1A or Om1A rot 6 RNAs. M: protein marker, lane 1: translation products from Om1A RNA, Lane 2: translation products from Om1A rot6 RNA, lane C: control reactions without any RNA template.

FIG. 33 shows in vitro translation studies of S-35 labeled Om1A or Om1A Rot 6. Lane 1: product derived from RNA encoding Om1A, Lane 2: Product derived from Om1A Rot 6. Lane C: control reaction containing to RNA template. 20 ng or 40 ng of total protein was resolved on the SDS PAGE as indicated.

FIG. 34 Top panel: percent positive cells stained with an anti-Tryp-2 antibody. Lower panel: staining intensity of cells with an anti-Tryp-2 antibody.

FIG. 35 shows the effect of Rotavirus gene 6 3′ UTR sequence in the IL-4 RNA on the percent positive cells (panel A), intensity of intracellular staining (panel B) and secretion of a IL-4 cytokine (panel C).

FIG. 36 shows the effect of Rotavirus gene 6 3′ UTR sequence in the IL-4 RNA on the percent positive cells (panel A), intensity of intracellular staining (panel B) and secretion of a IL-4 cytokine measured by ELIZA (Panel C).

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Throughout this disclosure, various publications, patents and published patent specifications are referenced by an identifying citation. The disclosures of these publications, patents and published patent specifications are hereby specifically incorporated by reference into the present disclosure to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.

The practice of the present invention employs, unless otherwise indicated, conventional techniques of molecular biology (including recombinant techniques), microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry and immunology, which are within the skill of the art. Such techniques are explained fully in the literature. These methods are described in the following publications. See, e.g., Sambrook et al. MOLECULAR CLONING: A LABORATORY MANUAL, 2^(nd) edition (1989); CURRENT PROTOCOLS 1N MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (Ausubel et al. eds. (1987)); the series METHODS IN ENZYMOLOGY (Academic Press, Inc.); PCR: A PRACTICAL APPROACH (M. MacPherson et al. IRL Press at Oxford University Press (1991)); PCR 2: A PRACTICAL APPROACH (MacPherson, Hames and Taylor eds. (1995)); ANTIBODIES, A LABORATORY MANUAL (Harlow and Lane eds. (1988)); USING ANTIBODIES, A LABORATORY MANUAL (Harlow and Lane eds. (1999)); and ANIMAL CELL CULTURE (Freshney ed. (1987)).

DEFINITIONS

As used in the specification and claims, the singular form “a,” “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a cell” includes a plurality of cells, including mixtures thereof.

As used herein, the term “comprising” is intended to mean that the compositions and methods include the recited elements, but not excluding others. “Consisting essentially of” when used to define compositions and methods, shall mean excluding other elements of any essential significance to the combination. Thus, a composition consisting essentially of the elements as defined herein would not exclude trace contaminants from the isolation and purification method and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, such as phosphate buffered saline, preservatives, and the like. Polypeptides or protein that “consist essentially of” a given amino acid sequence are defined herein to contain no more than three, preferably no more than two, and most preferably no more than one, or no additional amino acids at either or both of the amino terminus and carboxy terminus of the protein or polypeptide. For example, a polypeptide consisting essentially of sequence X would include, but is not limited to, NNNXNNN; NNNX; XN; X, etc., wherein N is any amino acid. Nucleic acids or polynucleotides that “consist essentially of” a given nucleic acid sequence are defined herein to contain no more than ten, nine, eight, seven, preferably no more than six, five, four, more preferably no more than three, two, and most preferably no more than one, or no additional nucleotides at either or both of the 5′ terminus and 3′ terminus of the nucleic acid sequence. “Consisting of” shall mean excluding more than trace elements of other ingredients and substantial method steps for administering the compositions of this invention. Embodiments defined by each of these transition terms are within the scope of this invention.

All numerical designations, e.g., pH, temperature, time, concentration, and molecular weight, including ranges, are approximations which are varied (+) or (−) by increments of 0.1. It is to be understood, although not always explicitly stated, that the reagents described herein are merely exemplary and that equivalents of such are known in the art.

The term “antigen” is well understood in the art and includes substances that are immunogenic, i.e., immunogen. It will be appreciated that the use of any antigen is envisioned for use in the present invention and thus includes, but is not limited to a self-antigen (whether normal or disease-related), an infectious antigen (e.g., a microbial antigen, viral antigen, etc.), or some other foreign antigen (e.g., a food component, pollen, etc.). The term “antigen” or alternatively, “immunogen” applies to collections of more than one immunogen, so that immune responses to multiple immunogens may be modulated simultaneously. Moreover, the term includes any of a variety of different formulations of immunogen or antigen.

A “native” or “natural” or “wild-type” antigen is a polypeptide, protein or a fragment which contains an epitope, which has been isolated from a natural biological source, and which can specifically bind to an antigen receptor, when presented as an MHC/peptide complex, in particular a T cell antigen receptor (TCR), in a subject.

The term “tumor associated antigen” or “TAA” refers to an antigen that is associated with a tumor. Examples of well known TAAs include gp100, MART and MAGE.

The terms “major histocompatibility complex” or “MHC” refers to a complex of genes encoding cell-surface molecules that are required for antigen presentation to T cells and for rapid graft rejection. In humans, the MHC is also known as the “human leukocyte antigen” or “HLA” complex. The proteins encoded by the MHC are known as “MHC molecules” and are classified into Class I and Class II MHC molecules. Class I MHC molecules include membrane heterodimeric proteins made up of an α chain encoded in the MHC noncovalently linked with the β₂-microglobulin. Class I MHC molecules are expressed by nearly all nucleated cells and have been shown to function in antigen presentation to CD8⁺ T cells. Class I molecules include HLA-A, B, and C in humans. Class II MHC molecules also include membrane heterodimeric proteins consisting of noncovalently associated α and β chains. Class II MHC molecules are known to function in CD4⁺ T cells and, in humans, include HLA-DP, -DQ, and -DR.

The term “antigen presenting cells (APCs)” refers to a class of cells capable of presenting one or more antigens in the form of peptide-MHC complex recognizable by specific effector cells of the immune system, and thereby inducing an effective cellular immune response against the antigen or antigens being presented. APCs can be intact whole cells such as macrophages, B-cells, endothelial cells, activated T-cells, and dendritic cells; or other molecules, naturally occurring or synthetic, such as purified MHC Class I molecules complexed to β2-microglobulin. While many types of cells may be capable of presenting antigens on their cell surface for T-cell recognition, only dendritic cells have the capacity to present antigens in an efficient amount to activate naive T-cells for cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses.

The term “dendritic cells (DCs)” refers to a diverse population of morphologically similar cell types found in a variety of lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues, Steinman (1991) Ann. Rev. Immunol. 9:271-296. Dendritic cells constitute the most potent and preferred APCs in the organism. While the dendritic cells can be differentiated from monocytes and CD34⁺ cells, they possess distinct phenotypes. For example, a particular differentiating marker, CD14 antigen, is not found in dendritic cells but is possessed by monocytes. Also, mature dendritic cells are not phagocytic, whereas the monocytes are strongly phagocytosing cells. It has been shown that mature DCs can provide all the signals necessary for T cell activation and proliferation.

The term “immune effector cells” refers to cells capable of binding an antigen and which mediate an immune response. These cells include, but are not limited to, T cells, B cells, monocytes, macrophages, NK cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), for example CTL lines, CTL clones, and CTLs from tumor, inflammatory, or other infiltrates.

A “naïve” immune effector cell is an immune effector cell that has never been exposed to an antigen capable of activating that cell. Activation of naive immune effector cells requires both recognition of the peptide:MHC complex and the simultaneous delivery of a costimulatory signal by a professional APC in order to proliferate and differentiate into antigen-specific armed effector T cells.

“Immune response” broadly refers to the antigen-specific responses of lymphocytes to foreign substances. Any substance that can elicit an immune response is said to be “immunogenic” and is referred to as an “immunogen”. All immunogens are antigens, however, not all antigens are immunogenic. An immune response of this invention can be humoral (via antibody activity) or cell-mediated (via T cell activation).

As used herein, the term “educated, antigen-specific immune effector cell”, is an immune effector cell as defined above, which has previously encountered an antigen. In contrast to its naïve counterpart, activation of an educated, antigen specific immune effector cell does not require a costimulatory signal. Recognition of the peptide:MHC complex is sufficient.

“Activated”, when used in reference to a T cell, implies that the cell is no longer in G₀ phase, and begins to produce one or more of cytotoxins, cytokines and other related membrane-associated proteins characteristic of the cell type (e.g., CD8⁺ or CD4⁺), and is capable of recognizing and binding any target cell that displays the particular peptide/MHC complex on its surface, and releasing its effector molecules.

As used herein, the term “inducing an immune response in a subject” is a term understood in the art and refers to an increase of at least about 2-fold, or alternatively at least about 5-fold, or alternatively at least about 10-fold, or alternatively at least about 100-fold, or alternatively at least about 500-fold, or alternatively at least about 1000-fold or more in an immune response to an antigen (or epitope) which can be detected or measured, after introducing the antigen (or epitope) into the subject, relative to the immune response (if any) before introduction of the antigen (or epitope) into the subject. An immune response to an antigen (or epitope), includes but is not limited to, production of an antigen-specific (or epitope-specific) antibody, and production of an immune cell expressing on its surface a molecule which specifically binds to an antigen (or epitope). Methods of determining whether an immune response to a given antigen (or epitope) has been induced are well known in the art. For example, antigen-specific antibody can be detected using any of a variety of immunoassays known in the art, including, but not limited to, ELISA, wherein, for example, binding of an antibody in a sample to an immobilized antigen (or epitope) is detected with a detectably-labeled second antibody (e.g., enzyme-labeled mouse anti-human Ig antibody).

“Co-stimulatory molecules” are involved in the interaction between receptor-ligand pairs expressed on the surface of antigen presenting cells and T cells. Research accumulated over the past several years has demonstrated convincingly that resting T cells require at least two signals for induction of cytokine gene expression and proliferation (Schwartz, R. H. (1990) Science 248: 1349-1356 and Jenkins, M. K. (1992) Immunol. Today 13:69-73). One signal, the one that confers specificity, can be produced by interaction of the TCR/CD3 complex with an appropriate MHC/peptide complex. The second signal is not antigen specific and is termed the “co-stimulatory” signal. This signal was originally defined as an activity provided by bone-marrow-derived accessory cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells, the so called “professional” APCs. Several molecules have been shown to enhance co-stimulatory activity. These are heat stable antigen (HSA) (Liu, Y. et al. (1992) 3. Exp. Med. 175:437-445), chondroitin sulfate-modified MHC invariant chain (li-CS) (Naujokas, M. F. et al. (1993) Cell 74:257-268), intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) (Van Seventer, G. A. (1990)]. Immunol. 144:4579-4586), B7-1, and B7-2/B70 (Schwartz, R. H. (1992) Cell 71:1065-1068). These molecules each appear to assist co-stimulation by interacting with their cognate ligands on the T cells. Co-stimulatory molecules mediate co-stimulatory signal(s), which are necessary, under normal physiological conditions, to achieve full activation of naïve T cells. One exemplary receptor-ligand pair is the B7 family of co-stimulatory molecule on the surface of APC5 and its counter-receptor CD28 or CTLA-4 on T cells (Freeman, et al. (1993) Science 262:909-911; Young, et al. (1992)]. Clin. Invest. 90:229 and Nabavi, et al. (1992) Nature 360:266-268). Other important co-stimulatory molecules are CD40, and CD54. The term “costimulatory molecule” encompasses any single molecule or combination of molecules that, when acting together with a MHC/peptide complex bound by a TCR on the surface of a T cell, provides a co-stimulatory effect which achieves activation of the I cell that binds the peptide. The term thus encompasses B7, or other co-stimulatory molecule(s) on an antigen-presenting matrix such as an APC, fragments thereof (alone, complexed with another molecule(s), or as part of a fusion protein) which, together with MHC complex, binds to a cognate ligand and results in activation of the T cell when the TCR on the surface of the T cell specifically binds the peptide. It is intended, although not always explicitly stated, that molecules having similar biological activity as wild-type or purified co-stimulatory molecules (e.g., recombinantly produced or muteins thereof) are intended to be used within the spirit and scope of the invention.

As used herein, the term “cytokine” refers to any one of the numerous factors that exert a variety of effects on cells, for example, inducing growth or proliferation. Non-limiting examples of cytokines which may be used alone or in combination in the practice of the present invention include, interleukin-2 (IL-2), stem cell factor (SCF), interleukin-3 (IL-3), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-12 (IL-12), G-CSF, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α), interleukin-1L (IL-11), MIP-11, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), c-kit ligand, thrombopoietin (TPO) and flt3 ligand. One embodiment of the present invention includes culture conditions in which an effective amount of IL-1β and/or IL-6 is excluded from the medium. Cytokines are commercially available from several vendors such as, for example, Genzyme (Framingham, Mass.), Genentech (South San Francisco, Calif.), Amgen (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), R&D Systems (Minneapolis, Minn.) and Immunex (Seattle, Wash.). It is intended, although not always explicitly stated, that molecules having similar biological activity as wild-type or purified cytokines (e.g., recombinantly produced or muteins thereof) are intended to be used within the spirit and scope of the invention.

The terms “polynucleotide”, “nucleic acid” and “nucleic acid molecule” are used interchangeably to refer to polymeric forms of nucleotides of any length. The polynucleotides may contain deoxyribonucleotides, ribonucleotides, and/or their analogs. Nucleotides may have any three-dimensional structure, and may perform any function, known or unknown. The term “polynucleotide” includes, for example, single-stranded, double-stranded and triple helical molecules, a gene or gene fragment, exons, introns, mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, ribozymes, cDNA, recombinant polynucleotides, branched polynucleotides, plasmids, Vectors, isolated DNA of any sequence, isolated RNA of any sequence, nucleic acid probes, and primers. In addition to a native nucleic acid molecule, a nucleic acid molecule of the present invention may also comprise modified nucleic acid molecules. As used herein, mRNA refers to an RNA that can be translated in a dendritic cell. Such mRNAs typically are capped and have a ribosome binding site (Kozak sequence) and a translational initiation codon.

The term “peptide” is used in its broadest sense to refer to a compound of two or more subunit amino acids, amino acid analogs, or peptidomimetics. The subunits may be linked by peptide bonds. In another embodiment, the subunit may be linked by other bonds, e.g., ester, ether, etc. As used herein the term “amino acid” refers to either natural and/or unnatural or synthetic amino acids, including glycine and both the D and L optical isomers, amino acid analogs and peptidomimetics. A peptide of three or more amino acids is commonly called an oligopeptide if the peptide chain is short. If the peptide chain is long, the peptide is commonly called a polypeptide or a protein.

The term “genetically modified” means containing and/or expressing a foreign gene or nucleic acid sequence which, in turn, modifies the genotype or phenotype of the cell or its progeny. In other words, it refers to any addition, deletion or disruption to a cell's endogenous nucleotides.

As used herein, “expression” refers to the processes by which polynucleotides are transcribed into mRNA and mRNA is translated into peptides, polypeptides, or proteins. If the polynucleotide is derived from genomic DNA of an appropriate eukaryotic host expression may include splicing of the mRNA. Regulatory elements required for expression include promoter sequences to bind RNA polymerase and transcription initiation sequences for ribosome binding. For example, a bacterial expression vector includes a promoter such as the lac promoter and for transcription initiation the Shine-Dalgarno sequence and the start codon AUG (Sambrook et al. (1989) supra). Similarly, a eukaryotic expression vector includes a heterologous or homologous promoter for RNA polymerase II, a downstream polyadenylation signal, the start codon AUG, and a termination codon for detachment of the ribosome. Such vectors can be obtained commercially or assembled by the sequences described in methods known in the art, for example, the methods herein below for constructing vectors in general.

“Under transcriptional control” is a term understood in the art and indicates that transcription of a polynucleotide sequence, usually a DNA sequence, depends on its being operatively linked to an element which contributes to the initiation of, or promotes, transcription. “Operatively linked” refers to a juxtaposition wherein the elements are in an arrangement allowing them to function.

A “gene delivery vehicle” is defined as any molecule that can carry inserted polynucleotides into a host cell. Examples of gene delivery vehicles are liposomes, biocompatible polymers, including natural polymers and synthetic polymers; lipoproteins; polypeptides; polysaccharides; lipopolysaccharides; artificial viral envelopes; metal particles; and bacteria, or viruses, such as baculovirus, adenovirus and retrovirus, bacteriophage, cosmid, plasmid, fungal vectors and other recombination vehicles typically used in the art which have been described for expression in a variety of eukaryotic and prokaryotic hosts, and may be used for gene therapy as well as for simple protein expression.

“Gene delivery,” “gene transfer,” “transfection” and the like as used herein, are terms referring to the introduction of an exogenous polynucleotide into a host cell, irrespective of the method used for the introduction. Transfection refers to delivery of any nucleic acid to the interior of a cell. Gene delivery refers to the delivery of a nucleic acid that may be integrated into the host cell's genome, or that may replicate independently of the host cell genome. Gene delivery or gene transfer does not refer to introduction of an mRNA into a cell. Transfection methods include a variety of techniques such as electroporation, protein-based, lipid-based and cationic ion based nucleic acid delivery complexes, viral vectors, “gene gun” delivery and various other techniques known to those of skill in the art. The introduced polynucleotide can be stably maintained in the host cell or may be transiently expressed. In preferred embodiments, an mRNA is introduced into a DC and is transiently expressed. Stable maintenance typically requires that the introduced polynucleotide either contains an origin of replication compatible with the host cell or integrates into a replicon of the host cell such as an extrachromosomal replicon (e.g., a plasmid) or a nuclear or mitochondrial chromosome. A number of vectors are capable of mediating transfer of genes to mammalian cells, as is known in the art and described herein.

A “viral vector” is defined as a recombinantly produced virus or viral particle that comprises a polynucleotide to be delivered into a host cell, either in vivo, ex vivo or in vitro. Examples of viral vectors include retroviral vectors, adenovirus vectors, adeno-associated virus vectors, alphavirus vectors and the like. Alphavirus vectors, such as Semliki Forest virus-based vectors and Sindbis virus-based vectors, have also been developed for use in gene therapy and immunotherapy. See, Schlesinger and Dubensky (1999) Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 5:434-439 and Zaks et al. (1999) Nat. Med. 7:823-827. In aspects where gene transfer is mediated by a retroviral vector, a vector construct refers to the polynucleotide comprising the retroviral genome or part thereof, and a therapeutic gene. As used herein, “retroviral mediated gene transfer” or “retroviral transduction” carries the same meaning and refers to the process by which a gene or nucleic acid sequences are stably transferred into the host cell by virtue of the virus entering the cell and integrating its genome into the host cell genome. The virus can enter the host cell via its normal mechanism of infection or be modified such that it binds to a different host cell surface receptor or ligand to enter the cell. As used herein, “retroviral vector” refers to a viral particle capable of introducing exogenous nucleic acid into a cell through a viral or viral-like entry mechanism.

Retroviruses carry their genetic information in the form of RNA; however, once the virus infects a cell, the RNA is reverse-transcribed into the DNA form that integrates into the genomic DNA of the infected cell. The integrated DNA form is called a provirus.

In aspects where gene transfer is mediated by a DNA viral vector, such as an adenovirus (Ad), pseudo adenoviral or adeno-associated virus (AAV), vector construct refers to the polynucleotide comprising the viral genome or part thereof, and a transgene. Adenoviruses (Ads) are a relatively well characterized, homogenous group of viruses, including over 50 serotypes. (See, e.g., WO 95/27071). Ads are easy to grow and do not require integration into the host cell genome. Recombinant Ad-derived vectors, particularly those that reduce the potential for recombination and generation of wild-type virus, have also been constructed. (See, WO 95/00655 and WO 95/11984). Wild-type AAV has high infectivity and specificity integrating into the host cell's genome. (See, Hermonat and Muzyczka (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:6466-6470 and Lebkowski et al. (1988) Mol. Cell. Biol. 8:3988-3996).

Vectors that contain both a promoter and a cloning site into which a polynucleotide can be operatively linked are known in the art. Such vectors are capable of transcribing RNA in vitro or in vivo, and are commercially available from sources such as Stratagene (La Jolla, Calif.) and Promega Biotech (Madison, Wis.). In order to optimize expression and/or in vitro transcription, it may be necessary to remove, add or alter 5′ and/or 3′ untranslated portions of the clones to eliminate extra, potential inappropriate alternative translation initiation codons or other sequences that may interfere with or reduce expression, either at the level of transcription or translation. Alternatively, consensus ribosome binding sites can be inserted immediately 5′ of the start codon to enhance expression.

Gene delivery vehicles also include several non-viral vectors, including DNA/liposome complexes, and targeted viral protein-DNA complexes. Liposomes that also comprise a targeting antibody or fragment thereof can be used in the methods of this invention. To enhance delivery to a cell, nucleic acids or proteins of this invention can be conjugated to antibodies or binding fragments thereof which bind cell surface antigens, e.g., TCR, CD3 or CD4.

“Hybridization” refers to a reaction in which one or more polynucleotides react to form a complex that is stabilized via hydrogen bonding between the bases of the nucleotide residues. The hydrogen bonding may occur by Watson-Crick base pairing, Hoogstein binding, or in any other sequence-specific manner. The complex may comprise two strands forming a duplex structure, three or more strands forming a multi-stranded complex, a single self-hybridizing strand, or any combination of these. A hybridization reaction may constitute a step in a more extensive process, such as the initiation of a PCR reaction, or the enzymatic cleavage of a polynucleotide by a ribozyme.

Stringent hybridization conditions are as follows: Prehybridization of filters containing a nucleic acid of interest is carried out for 8 hrs to overnight at 65° C. in buffer composed of 6×SSC, 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.5), 1 mM EDTA, 0.02% Ficoll, 0.02% BSA, and 500 m/ml denatured salmon sperm DNA. Filters are hybridized for 48 hrs at 65° C., the preferred hybridization temperature, in prehybridization mixture containing 100 μg/ml denatured salmon sperm DNA and 5−20×10⁶ cpm of ³²P-labeled probe. Subsequently, filter washes are performed at 37° C. for 1 h in a solution containing 2×SSC, 0.01% Ficoll, and 0.01% BSA, followed by a wash in 0.1×SSC at 50° C. for 45 min. Following the wash steps, the hybridized probes are detectable by autoradiography. Such methods are well known in the art and cited in Sambrook et al., 1989; and Ausubel et al., 1989.

The term “sequence identity” means that two polynucleotide or amino acid sequences are identical (i.e., on a nucleotide-by-nucleotide or residue-by-residue basis) over the comparison window. The term “percentage of sequence identity” (for example, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or greater than 99%) is calculated by comparing two optimally aligned sequences over the window of comparison, determining the number of positions at which the identical nucleic acid base (e.g., A, T, C, G, U, or I) or residue occurs in both sequences to yield the number of matched positions, dividing the number of matched positions by the total number of positions in the comparison window (i.e., the window size), and multiplying the result by 100 to yield the percentage of sequence identity. After optimal alignment, a sequence can be compared to a reference sequence over a comparison window. of at least 21 contiguous nucleotides or 7 contiguous amino acids, frequently over a window of at least 150 contiguous nucleotides or 50 contiguous amino acids, wherein the percentage of sequence identity is calculated by comparing the reference sequence to the sequence which may include deletions or additions which total 20 percent or less of the reference sequence over the comparison window.

Methods of alignment of sequences for comparison are well-known in the art. Optimal alignment of sequences for aligning a comparison window may be conducted by the local homology algorithm of Smith and Waterman Adv. Appl. Math. 2:482 (1981), by the homology alignment algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch J. Mol. Biol. 48:443 (1970), by the search for similarity method of Pearson and Lipman Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (U.S.A.) 85:2444 (1988), by computerized implementations of these algorithms (GAP, BESTFIT, FASTA, and TFASTA in the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package Release 7.0, (Genetics Computer Group, 575 Science Dr., Madison, Wis.), Geneworks, or MacVector software packages), or by manual alignment and visual inspection (see, e.g., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (Ausubel et al., eds. 1995 supplement)), and the best alignment (i.e., resulting in the highest percentage of homology over the comparison window) generated by the various methods is selected. The percent homology or sequence identity is preferably determined using the well known BLAST or BLAST 2.0 algorithms and the default parameters, which are described in Altschul et al., Nuc. Acids Res. 25:3389-3402 (1977) and Altschul et al., J. Mol. Biol. 215:403410 (1990), respectively. The BLASTN program (for nucleotide sequences) uses as defaults a wordlength (W) of 11, an expectation (E) of 10, M=5, N=4 and a comparison of both strands. For amino acid sequences, the BLASTP program uses as defaults a wordlength of 3, and expectation (E) of 10, and the BLOSUM62 scoring matrix (see Henikoff & Henikoff, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:10915 (1989)) alignments (B) of 50, expectation (E) of 10, M=5, N=4, and a comparison of both strands. Details of these programs and the software are available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information found at the following world wide web address: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/BLAST.

The term “isolated” means separated from constituents, cellular and otherwise, in which the polynucleotide, peptide, polypeptide, protein, antibody, or fragments thereof, are normally associated with in nature. For example, with respect to a polynucleotide, an isolated polynucleotide is one that is separated from the 5′ and 3′ sequences with which it is normally associated in the chromosome. As is apparent to those of skill in the art, a non-naturally occurring polynucleotide, peptide, polypeptide, protein, antibody, or fragment(s) thereof, does not require “isolation” to distinguish it from its naturally occurring counterpart. In addition, a “concentrated”, “separated” or “diluted” polynucleotide, peptide, polypeptide, protein, antibody, or fragment(s) thereof, is distinguishable from its naturally occurring counterpart in that the concentration or number of molecules per volume is greater than “concentrated” or less than “separated” than that of its naturally occurring counterpart. A polynucleotide, peptide, polypeptide, protein, antibody, or fragment(s) thereof, which differs from the naturally occurring counterpart in its primary sequence or for example, by its glycosylation pattern, need not be present in its isolated form since it is distinguishable from its naturally occurring counterpart by its primary sequence, or alternatively, by another characteristic such as its glycosylation pattern. Although not explicitly stated for each of the inventions disclosed herein, it is to be understood that all of the above embodiments for each of the compositions disclosed below and under the appropriate conditions, are provided by this invention. Thus, a non-naturally occurring polynucleotide is provided as a separate embodiment from the isolated naturally occurring polynucleotide. A protein produced in a bacterial cell is provided as a separate embodiment from the naturally occurring protein isolated from a eukaryotic cell in which it is produced in nature. A mammalian cell, such as dendritic cell is isolated if it is removed from the anatomical site from which it is found in an organism.

“Host cell,” “target cell” or “recipient cell” are intended to include any individual cell or cell culture that can be or have been recipients for vectors or the incorporation of exogenous nucleic acid molecules, polynucleotides and/or proteins. It also is intended to include progeny of a single cell, and the progeny may not necessarily be completely identical (in morphology or in genomic or total DNA complement) to the original parent cell due to natural, accidental, or deliberate mutation. The cells may be prokaryotic or eukaryotic, and include but are not limited to bacterial cells, yeast cells, animal cells, and mammalian cells, e.g., murine, rat, simian or human.

A “subject” is a vertebrate, preferably a mammal, more preferably a human. Mammals include, but are not limited to, murines, simians, humans, farm animals, sport animals, and pets.

A “control” is an alternative subject or sample used in an experiment for comparison purpose. A control can be “positive” or “negative”. For example, where the purpose of the experiment is to determine a correlation of an immune response with a particular culture condition, it is generally preferable to use a positive control and a negative control.

By “cancer” is meant the abnormal presence of cells which exhibit relatively autonomous growth, so that a cancer cell exhibits an aberrant growth phenotype characterized by a significant loss of cell proliferation control. Cancerous cells can be benign or malignant. In various embodiments, the cancer affects cells of the bladder, blood, brain, breast, colon, digestive tract, lung, ovaries, pancreas, prostate gland, or skin. The definition of a cancer cell, as used herein, includes not only a primary cancer cell, but also any cell derived from a cancer cell ancestor. This includes metastasized cancer cells, and in vitro cultures and cell lines derived from cancer cells. Cancer includes, but is not limited to, solid tumors, liquid tumors, hematologic malignancies, renal cell cancer, melanoma, breast cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, neuroblastoma, glioblastoma, retinoblastoma, leukemias (including chronic lymphocytic leukemia), myelomas, lymphomas, hepatoma, adenomas, sarcomas, carcinomas, blastomas, etc. When referring to a type of cancer that normally manifests as a solid tumor, a “clinically detectable” tumor is one that is detectable on the basis of tumor mass; e.g., by such procedures as CAT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, ultrasound or palpation. Biochemical or immunologic findings alone may be insufficient to meet this definition.

The term “culturing” refers to the in vitro maintenance, differentiation, and/or propagation of cells or in suitable media. By “enriched” is meant a composition comprising cells present in a greater percentage of total cells than is found in the tissues where they are present in an organism. For example, the enriched cultures and preparations of CD83⁺ CCR7⁻ DCs and CD83⁺ CCR7⁺ DCs made by the methods of the invention are present in a higher percentage of total cells as compared to their percentage in the tissues where they are present in an organism (e.g., blood, skin, lymph nodes, etc.).

A “composition” is intended to mean a combination of active agent and another compound or composition, inert (for example, a detectable agent or label) or active, such as an adjuvant.

A “pharmaceutical composition” is intended to include the combination of an active agent with a carrier, inert or active, making the composition suitable for diagnostic or therapeutic use in vitro, in vivo or ex vivo.

As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” encompasses any of the standard pharmaceutical carriers, such as a phosphate buffered saline solution, water, and emulsions, such as an oil/water or water/oil emulsion, and various types of wetting agents. The compositions also can include stabilizers and preservatives. For examples of carriers, stabilizers and adjuvants, see Martin REMINGTON'S PHARM. SCI., 18th Ed. (Mack Publ. Co., Easton (1990)).

An “effective amount” is an amount sufficient to effect beneficial or desired results, such as enhanced immune response, treatment, prevention or amelioration of a medical condition (disease, infection, etc). An effective amount can be administered in one or more administrations, applications or dosages. Suitable dosages will vary depending on body weight, age, health, disease or condition to be treated and route of administration.

As used herein, “signaling” means contacting an immature or mature dendritic cell with an IFN-γ receptor agonist, a TNF-α receptor agonist, a CD40L polypeptide or other CD40 agonist. In one embodiment, such agonists are provided externally, (e.g., in the cell culture medium). In another embodiment, the polypeptide agonist is provided via transfection of an immature or mature dendritic cell with a nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide. Alternatively, a nucleic acid aptamer agonist could be provided in the medium or by transfection. In cases where the polypeptide(s) is provided by transfecting a dendritic cell with a nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide, signaling is effected upon translation of an mRNA encoding the polypeptide, rather than upon transfection with the nucleic acid. In one aspect, this invention provides methods for preparing enriched populations of mature dendritic cells (DCs) that induce potent immunostimulatory responses in vivo and/or in vitro. As used herein, the term “mature dendritic cells” means dendritic cells that demonstrate elevated cell surface expression of co-stimulator molecule CD83, compared to immature DCs (iDCs). Mature DCs of the invention include both CD83⁺ CCR7⁻ DCs and CD83⁺ CCR7⁺ DCs. The second signal, a CD40 agonist, can be given to either immature CD83⁻ CCR7⁻ DCs, or to CD83⁺ CCR7⁻ mature DCs.

The literature (Schaft 2005, Bonehill 2004) suggests that post maturation electroporation of DCs with antigen-encoding RNA resulted in DCs with greater potency to invoke immune responses. Therefore, methods were developed to alter the ‘CD40L base process’ (sequential IFN-γ signaling followed by CD40L signaling of CD83⁻ iDCs), by altering the timing of the CD40L signaling to CD83⁺ CCR7⁻ mature DCs (post phenotypic maturation). In this embodiment, DCs were first phenotypically matured by adding ‘inflammatory mediators’, IFN-γ and TNF-α, and optionally PGE₂, to the culture medium, and then electroporating with CD40L mRNA, and optionally antigen-encoding mRNA approximately 12-30 hours (preferably about 18 hrs) later. This novel process was named ‘PME-CD40L’, for Post Maturation Electroporation with CD40L to produce CD83⁺ CCR7⁺ mature DCs. Cells harvested after electroporation and formulated as a vaccine were shown to mediate maximum immunopotency in in vitro assays (see examples). In one embodiment, the cells are formulated into a vaccine at about 5 minutes to 3 days following electroporation, or at about 2-6 hours post electroporation, or at about 4 hours post electroporation. Dendritic cells made by the PME-CD40L process are phenotypically different than prior art dendritic cells. For example, PME-CD40L process of generating DC is capable of supporting long term antigen specific CTL effector function and inducing a preferred phenotype of effector memory CTL that retains the capacity to expand, produce cytokines and kill target cells all critical events mediating robust ling-term CTL effector function. Thus, in one embodiment, the invention provides a dendritic cell which preferentially induces a population of CD28⁺ CD45RA⁻ memory/effector T cells from a population of antigen-specific T cells. The antigen specific T cells can be naïve T cells or antigen experienced T cells. Effector/memory T cells produce IFNγ, IL-2, and can kill target cells. Effector T cells produce IFNγ and can kill target cells, but do not produce IL-2. Memory T cells produce IFNγ and IL-2, but do not kill target cells.

As yet a further enhancement, DCs can be pulsed with an activation ligand for NKT-cells, namely α-galactosylceramide, so as to recruit this population of effector cells to the immune response. NKT-cells display facets of both T-helper and T-cytotoxic cells: NKT-cells can secrete IFN-γ, display CD40L, and can secrete granzyme B, the latter to induce apoptosis in target cells. Thus, NKT-cell recruitment can lead to enhanced DC function by virtue of additional NKT-cell CD40L/DC-CD40 interactions, or amplify cell mediated immune responses by secreting helper cytokines, and/or contributing to a direct lytic effect on target cells.

After sequential signaling with the first signal (an IFN-γ receptor agonist and/or a TNF-α receptor agonist) to iDCs, and the second signal (a CD40 agonist) to either CD83⁻ CCR7⁻ iDCs, or to CD83⁺ CCR7⁻ mature DCs, the resulting DCs demonstrate (i) elevated cell surface expression of co-stimulator molecules CD80, CD83, and CD86, ii) are CCR7⁺, and iii) secrete IL-12 p70 polypeptide or protein, and/or secrete significantly reduced levels (e.g., 0 to 500 pg/per million DCs) of IL-10. In preferred embodiments, the mature CD83⁺ CCR7⁺ DCs of the invention produce at least 1000 pg IL-12/10⁶ DCs, preferably at least 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, or 6000 pg IL-12/10⁶ DCs, more preferably at least 7000, 8000, 9000 or 10,000 pg IL-12/10⁶ DCs, and most preferably at least 12,000, 15,000, 17,000 or 20,000 pg IL-12/10⁶ DCs. IL-10 and IL-12 levels can be determined by ELISA of culture supernatants collected at up to 36 hrs post induction of DC maturation from immature DCs. Wierda et al. (2000) Blood 96:2917. Ajdary et al. (2000) Infection and Immunity 68:1760.

Immature DCs can be isolated or prepared from a suitable tissue source containing DC precursor cells and differentiated in vitro to produce immature DC. For example, a suitable tissue source can be one or more of bone marrow cells, peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs), peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs), and cord blood cells. Preferably, the tissue source is a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC). The tissue source can be fresh or frozen. In another aspect, the cells or tissue source are pre-treated with an effective amount of a growth factor that promotes growth and differentiation of non-stem or progenitor cells, which are then more easily separated from the cells of interest. These methods are known in the art and described briefly in Romani, et al. (1994) Exp. Med. 180:83 and Caux, C. et al. (1996) Exp. Med. 184:695. In one aspect, the immature DCs are isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In a preferred embodiment, the PBMCs are treated with an effective amount of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in the presence or absence of interleukin 4 (IL-4) and/or IL-13, so that the PBMCs differentiate into immature DCs. Most preferably, PBMCs are cultured in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4 for about 4-7 days, preferably about 5-6 days, to produce immature DCs. In preferred embodiments, the first signal is given at day 4, 5, 6, or 7, and most preferably at day 5 or 6. In addition, GM-CSF as well as IL-4 and/or IL-13 may be present in the medium at the time of the first and/or second signaling.

To increase the number of dendritic precursor cells in animals, including humans, one can pre-treat subjects with substances that stimulate hematopoiesis. Such substances include, but are not limited to G-CSF, and GM-CSF. The amount of hematopoietic factor to be administered may be determined by one skilled in the art by monitoring the cell differential of individuals to whom the factor is being administered. Typically, dosages of factors such as G-CSF and GM-CSF will be similar to the dosage used to treat individuals recovering from treatment with cytotoxic agents. As an example, GM-CSF or G-CSF can be administered for 4 to 7 days at standard doses prior to removal of source tissue to increase the proportion of dendritic cell precursors. U.S. Pat. No. 6,475,483 teaches that dosages of G-CSF of 300 micrograms daily for 5 to 13 days and dosages of GM-CSF of 400 micrograms daily for 4 to 19 days result in significant yields of dendritic cells.

The methods of the invention produce an enriched population of mature CD83⁺ CCR7⁺ dendritic cells that are potent immunostimulatory agents. Specifically, the invention provides a method for preparing mature dendritic cells (DCs), comprising the sequential steps of: (a) signaling isolated immature dendritic cells (iDCs) with a first signal comprising an interferon gamma receptor (IFN-γR) agonist, and optionally a TNF-αR agonist, to produce IFN-γR agonist signaled dendritic cells; and (b) signaling said IFN-γR agonist signaled dendritic cells with a second transient signal comprising an effective amount of a CD40 agonist to produce CCR7⁺ mature dendritic cells. The invention further provides CD83⁺ CCR7⁻ mature DCs and CD83⁺ CCR7⁺ mature DCs. In preferred embodiments, the CD83⁺ CCR7⁺ mature DCs and/or the CD83⁺ CCR7⁻ mature DCs of the invention transiently express CD40L polypeptide. Preferably, CD40L is predominantly localized intracellularly, rather than on the cell surface. Most preferably, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80% or at least 90% of CD40L polypeptide is localized intracellularly.

In an alternative embodiment, the immature dendritic cells are signaled with an effective amount of a TNF-α receptor agonist followed by signaling with a CD40 agonist. Thus, the invention provides a method for preparing mature dendritic cells (DCs), comprising sequentially signaling isolated immature dendritic cells with a first signal comprising a tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor (TNF-αR) agonist followed by a second signal comprising a CD40 agonist, wherein said signaling is in the absence of an effective amount of IL-1β and/or IL-6.

For either embodiment (IFN-γR agonist or TNF-αR agonist as a first signal), the second CD40 agonist signal can be given to either CD83⁻ CCR7⁻ iDCs, or to CD83⁺ CCR7⁻ mature DCs. In a preferred embodiment, the immature DCs and/or mature DCs are contacted with PGE₂. Preferably the cells are contacted with PGE₂ at about the same time that they receive the first signal (an IFN-γR agonist or TNF-αR agonist). In preferred embodiments, GM-CSF and at least one of IL-4 or IL-13 is present in the medium at the time the dendritic cells receive the first and second signals. In further embodiments, the method further comprises contacting the immature dendritic cells, signaled dendritic cells, and/or CCR7⁺ dendritic cells with a NKT cell ligand that can activate CD1d-restricted NKT cells and consequently potentiate innate and adoptive immunity. In preferred embodiments, the NKT cell ligand is a compound selected from the group consisting of α-galactosylceramides, α-glucosylceramides, α-6-deoxygalactosylceramides, α-6-deoxygalactofuranosylceramides, β-6-deoxygalactofuranosylceramides, β-arabinosylceramides, α-C-galactosylceramides and α-S-galactosylceramides. A preferred compound is the α-galactosylceramide known as KRN7000 ((2S,3S,4R)-1-O-(alpha-D-galactopyranosyl)-2-(N-hexacosanoylamino)-1,3,4-octadecanetriol).

Agelasphins, disclosed in JP patent 3068910, are a class of compounds originally discovered in a marine sponge that have an α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) structure and immunostimulating and anti-tumor activity. KRN7000 is a potent synthetic analog of agelasphins, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,767,092, the contents of which is incorporated by reference. Additional useful analogs of agelasphins are disclosed U.S. Pat. No. 5,936,076, the contents of which is incorporated by reference. The structure of KRN7000 is shown below:

Glycosylceramide analogs of KRN7000 (e.g., α-galactosylceramides, α-glucosylceramides, α-6-deoxygalactosylceramides, α-6-deoxygalactofuranosylceramides, β-6-deoxygalactofuranosylceramides, β-arabinosylceramides) are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,849,716, the contents of which is incorporated by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 5,780,441, the contents of which is incorporated by reference, discloses oligosaccharide (di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-) derivatives of KRN7000. Methods for using KRN7000 and related analogs to produce KRN7000 antigen loaded DCs, and to activate human NKT cells are disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 09/721,768 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,531,453, the contents of each are specifically incorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,936,076, the contents of which is incorporated by reference, discloses α-galactosylceramide compounds represented by the following formula:

wherein the fatty acid chain, R represents:

where R₂ represents H or OH and X denotes an integer of 0-26 or R represents —(CH₂)₇CH═CH(CH₂)₇CH₃ and R₁ represents any one of the substituents defined by the following (a)-(e)

(a) —CH₂(CH₂)_(Y)CH₃

(b) —CH(OH)(CH₂)_(Y)CH₃

(c) —CH(OH)(CH₂)_(Y)CH(CH₃)₂

(d) —CH═CH(CH₂)_(Y)CH

(e) —CH(OH)(CH₂)_(Y)CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃

Wherein Y denotes an integer 5-17.

WO 03/105769, U.S. 2004/0127429, the contents of which are incorporated by reference, and Shimieg J. et al., (2003) J. Exp. Med. 198:1631-1641 disclose the structure of α-C-glycolipids, where the oxygen atom on glycoside bond of α-glycosylceramides such as α-galactosylceramide and α-glucosylceramides is replaced by carbon atom. The structure of a representative compound is shown below.

WO 03/016326, the contents of which is incorporated, disclose KRN7000 analogs with truncated ceramide such as “C4” or “OCH” having the following structure:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,635,622, the contents of which is incorporated by reference, discloses α-C-, N, or S-Glycolipids, wherein the oxygen atom on glycoside bond of a galactosylceramide is replaced by —(CH₂)_(a)—CH═CH—(CH₂)_(a)—, —(CH₂)_(a)—S(O)_(0.2)—CH₂—, or —NHCH₂—, wherein a and a′ each denote an integer of 0-5 and a+a′ is 5 or less.

In preferred embodiments, the IFN-γR agonist is IFNγ or a biologically active fragment thereof. Preferably, the IFNγ is a mammalian IFNγ, most preferably a human IFNγ. The cDNA and amino acid sequence of human IFNγ are shown in SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 6, respectively. Preferably, the IFNγ has the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:6, or a fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the IFN-γR comprises a polypeptide having at least 80% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:6. Preferably, the IFN-γR agonist has at least 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:6. Methods for testing the activity of IFN-γR agonists are known to those of skill in the art, and some of these methods are described below. Immature DCs can be signaled by adding an IFN-γR agonist the culture medium, or by expressing the IFN-γR agonist in the dendritic cell. In one embodiment, DCs are transfected with an mRNA encoding an IFN-γR agonist, such as SEQ ID NO:6, or a biologically active fragment thereof. Signaling would then occur upon translation of the mRNA within the dendritic cell. Most preferably, the IFN-γR agonist is added to the culture medium containing immature DCs. In a preferred embodiment, the culture medium further comprises PGE₂ and/or GM-CSF plus IL-4 or IL-13.

The receptor for IFN-γ has two subunits: IFN-γR1, the ligand-binding chain (also known as the α chain) and IFN-γR2, the signal-transducing chain (also known as the β chain or accessory factor 1). These proteins are encoded by separate genes (IFNGR1 and IFNGR2, respectively) that are located on different chromosomes. As the ligand-binding (a) chains interact with IFN-γ they dimerize and become associated with two signal-transducing (β) chains. Receptor assembly leads to activation of the Janus kinases JAK1 and JAK2 and phosphorylation of a tyrosine residue on the intracellular domain of IFN-γR1. This leads to the recruitment and phosphorylation of STAT1 (for ‘signal transducers and activators of transcription’), which forms homodimers and translocates to the nucleus to activate a wide range of IFN-γ-responsive genes. After signaling, the ligand-binding chains are internalized and dissociate. The chains are then recycled to the cell surface. Bach et al. (1997) Ann. Rev. Immunol. 15, 563-591; and Lammas, Casanova and Kumararatne (2000) Clin Exp Immunol 121, 417-425. The crystal structure of the complex of human IFN-γ with the soluble, glycosylated extracellular part of IFN-γRα (sIFN-γRα) has been determined at 2.9 Å resolution using multi-wavelength anomalous diffraction methods. Thiel et al. Structure 8:927-936 (2000).

In one assay, INF-γ receptor agonists, such as IFN-γ decrease Na⁺—K⁺-ATPase activity in a time- and concentration-dependent manner in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. Na⁺—K⁺-ATPase activity can be determined as the difference between total and ouabain-sensitive ATPase. Treatment with IFN-γ increases the expression of phospho-STAT1, and is accompanied by activation of p38 MAPK. p38 MAP kinase activity can be analyzed by Western blotting using the p38 MAP kinase antibodies (e.g., using p38 MAP kinase assay kits available from New England Biolabs). Total and phosphorylated STAT1 protein levels can be detected using Stat1 antibodies (such as those available in the PhosphoPlus® Stat1 Antibody Kit from New England Biolabs). The IFN-γ transduction mechanisms involve the activation of PKC downstream STAT1 phosphorylation and Raf-1, MEK, ERK2 and p38 MAPK pathways. See Magro et al., Br J Pharmacol advance online publication, Jul. 26, 2004; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705895, the contents of which is incorporated by reference.

For the purpose of illustration, signaling with IFN-γ receptor agonists, TNF-α receptor agonists and/or CD40 agonists can be provided by contacting a cell directly with IFN-γ polypeptides and/or proteins and/or TNF-α polypeptides or proteins and/or CD40 agonists, respectively. Alternatively, signaling of a cell with IFN-γR agonists, TNF-αR agonists or CD40 agonists can occur upon translation of mRNA encoding such polypeptides or proteins within the dendritic cell. Thus, signaling occurs upon expression of IFN-γR agonist, TNF-αR agonist and CD40 agonist polypeptides and/or proteins.

The second signal used in the methods of the invention is a transient signal with a CD40 agonist. Persistent expression of a CD40 agonist polypeptide, such as constitutive expression of CD40L from a lentivirus vector as described by Koya et al., supra, is not considered transient expression. As a non-limiting examples, the signal would be considered transient if the medium containing a CD40 agonist is removed from the DCs, or if the DCs are loaded with an mRNA encoding a CD40 agonist. The CD40 agonist signal can also be considered transient if the DCs are loaded/transfected with or with an expression vector encoding a CD40 agonist, provided that either: 1) the promoter driving CD40 agonist expression is not constitutive in DCs, or 2) the expression vector does not integrate into the DC genome or otherwise replicate in DCs.

In preferred embodiments, the CD40 agonist is a CD40L polypeptide or a CD40 agonistic antibody. In general, ligands that bind CD40 may act as a CD40 agonist. Applicants have demonstrated that administration of a second signal comprising CD40L to the cells by transfection of immature or mature DCs with CD40L mRNA results in the production of mature DCs that induce immunostimulatory responses rather than immunosuppressive responses. In one embodiment, CD40L mRNA transfected dendritic cells are cultured in medium containing IFNγ (and preferentially PGE₂ as well) immediately after transfection and prior to translation of the CD40L mRNA to produce an effective amount of a CD40L signal. In this embodiment, although IFNγ is added after transfection with CD40L mRNA, the dendritic cells receive the IFNγ signal prior to the signal resulting upon translation of the CD40L mRNA. Thus, the order in which the agents are delivered to the cells is important only in that CD40L signaling must occur after IFN-γ signaling. As described in more detail below, the signaling of the DCs can occur in vivo or ex vivo, or alternatively one or more set may occur ex vivo and the remaining steps of the method can occur in vivo.

In one embodiment, the CD40 agonist is an aptamer that binds CD40. Similarly, IFN-γ and TNF-α could be replaced by aptamers, antibodies, and the like, that have a similar biological activity. Most preferably, the CD40 agonist is delivered as mRNA encoding CD40L.

As used herein, “CD40 Ligand” (CD40L) shall encompass any polypeptide or protein that specifically recognizes and activates the CD40 receptor and activates its biological activity. The term includes transmembrane and soluble forms of CD40L. In preferred embodiments, the CD40 agonist is a mammalian CD40L, preferably a human CD40L. Alignments of the human and mouse cDNAs and proteins are shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, respectively. A human CD40L cDNA and the corresponding amino acid sequence are shown in SEQ ID NOS:1 and 2, respectively. The open reading frame for CD40L is represented by nucleotides 40 to 822 of SEQ ID NO. 1, while the TGA stop codon at position 823 to 825. In any of the CD40L polynucleotide sequences of the invention, a silent mutation (a variant due to codon degeneracy) of the 102^(nd) codon in the CD40L sequence (nucleotides 343 to 345 of SEQ ID NO:1), changing the “AAA” codon to an “AAG” codon, both of which code for Lys may be used. Also useful in the methods of the invention are truncated CD40 Ligands, including, but not limited to residues 47 to 261 of SEQ ID NO:2 (encoded by nucleotide residues 178 to 825 of SEQ ID NO:1); and CD40L fragments encoded by nucleotides 43 to 825 of SEQ ID NO:1, 181 to 825 of SEQ ID NO:1, 193 to 825 of SEQ ID NO:1, 376 to 825 of SEQ ID NO:1, 379 to 825 of SEQ ID NO:1 and 400 to 825 of SEQ ID NO:1. In certain embodiments, the CD40L polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:2; b) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 47 through 261 of SEQ ID NO:2; c) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 51 through 261 of SEQ ID NO:2; d) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 120 through 261 of SEQ ID NO:2; e) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 113 through 261 of SEQ ID NO:2; f) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 112 through 261 of SEQ ID NO:2; g) a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:10; h) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 35 through 261 of SEQ ID NO:2; i) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 34 through 225 of SEQ ID NO:2; j) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 113 through 225 of SEQ ID NO:2; k) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 120 through 225 of SEQ ID NO:2; and l) a fragment of the polypeptide of any of (a) through (k), wherein said fragment binds CD40. Most preferably, the CD40L polypeptide consists of, or consists essentially of, amino acid residues 21-261 of SEQ ID NO:2. In another embodiment, the CD40L polypeptide consists of, or consists essentially of a polypeptide having at least 80%, sequence identity to amino acid residues of SEQ ID NO:2. In preferred embodiments, the sequence identity is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% or at least 99%. In some embodiments, the CD40L polypeptide has 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions when compared to amino acid residues 21-261 of SEQ ID NO:2. Preferably, the amino acid substitutions are conservative substitutions.

In various embodiments, the CD40L polypeptide is encoded by an mRNA comprising a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of: a) a polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO:1; b) a polynucleotide comprising nucleotides 40 to 822 of SEQ ID NO:1; c) a polynucleotide comprising nucleotides 178 to 822 of SEQ ID NO:1; d) a polynucleotide comprising nucleotides 190 to 822 of SEQ ID NO:1; e) a polynucleotide comprising nucleotides 397 to 822 of SEQ ID NO:1; f) a polynucleotide comprising nucleotides 376 to 822 of SEQ ID NO:1; g) a polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO:9; h) a polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO:13; i) a polynucleotide having at least 80% sequence identity with any polynucleotide of (a) through (h); j) a polynucleotide hybridizing under stringent conditions to any polynucleotide of (a) through (h); and k) a polynucleotide of (a) through (j), further comprising a 3′ untranslated sequence selected from the group consisting of the nucleic acids of SEQ ID NO:14, 15, 16, 17 or 18, and/or a 5′ untranslated sequence selected from the group consisting of the nucleic acids of SEQ ID NO:19, 20, 21, 22, or 23. Preferably, these RNAs are capped and polyadenylated.

Alternatively, the CD40L polypeptide is a polypeptide having at least 77% sequence identity to a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:2; b) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 47 through 261 of SEQ ID NO:2; c) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 51 through 261 of SEQ ID NO:2; d) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 120 through 261 of SEQ ID NO:2; e) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 113 through 261 of SEQ ID NO:2; f) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 112 through 261 of SEQ ID NO:2; g) a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:10; h) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 35 through 261 of SEQ ID NO:2; i) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 34 through 225 of SEQ ID NO:2; j) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 113 through 225 of SEQ ID NO:2; k) a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 120 through 225 of SEQ ID NO:2; and l) a fragment of the polypeptide of any of (a) through (k), wherein said fragment binds CD40.

Most preferably, the CD40L polypeptide is the novel CD40L polypeptide provided herein, consisting of, or consisting essentially of amino acid residues 21 to 261 of SEQ ID NO:2, or a polypeptide having at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or most preferably at least 99% homology thereto. Preferably, the CD40L polypeptide is encoded by an RNA corresponding to the cDNA of SEQ ID NO:30 or SEQ ID NO:33, or to variants which differ due to codon degeneracy. As used herein, an RNA corresponding to a cDNA sequence refers to an RNA sequence having the same sequence as the cDNA sequence, except that the nucleotides are ribonucleotides instead of deoxyribonucleotides, as thymine (T) base in DNA is replaced by uracil (U) base in RNA. Preferably, the RNAs are capped and polyadenylated. Accordingly, the invention provides a CD40L polypeptide which consists of or consisting essentially of amino acid residues 21-261 of SEQ ID NO:2. In another aspect, the invention provides a nucleic acid encoding a CD40L polypeptide consisting of or consisting essentially of amino acid residues 21-261 of SEQ ID NO:2. Dendritic cells transfected with such nucleic acids are also provided, as well as vaccines comprising such dendritic cells. Preferably, the dendritic cells are transiently transfected with the RNA encoding these novel CD40L polypeptides of the invention.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for preparing mature dendritic cells (DCs), comprising the sequential steps of: (a) signaling isolated immature dendritic cells (iDCs) with a first signal comprising an interferon gamma receptor (IFN-γR) agonist, and optionally, a TNF-αR agonist, to produce IFN-γR agonist signaled dendritic cells; and (b) signaling said IFN-γR agonist signaled dendritic cells with a second transient signal comprising an effective amount of a CD40L polypeptide to produce CCR7⁺ mature dendritic cells; wherein the CD40L polypeptide consists essentially of amino acid residues 21-261 of SEQ ID NO:2 or a polypeptide having at least 80% sequence identity to amino acid residues 21-261 of SEQ ID NO:2.

CD40 was first characterized as a receptor expressed on B lymphocytes. Schonbeck and Libby (2001) Cell Mol. Life Sci. 58:4. It was later discovered that engagement of B-cell CD40 with CD40L expressed on activated T-cells is essential for T-cell dependent B-cell activation (i.e. proliferation, immunoglobulin secretion, and class switching). It was subsequently revealed that functional CD40 is expressed on a variety of cell types other than B-cells, including hematopoietic progenitor cells, T lymphocytes, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells, epithelial cells, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, keratinocytes, fibroblasts and carcinomas. Schonbeck and Libby (2001) supra.

CD40 Ligand was cloned in 1993 and reported by Gauchat, et al. (1993) FEBS Lett. 315:259. Graf et al. mapped it to chromosome Xq26.3-q27.1 (Graf, et al. (992) Eur. J. Immunol. 22: 3191-3194). Shorter soluble forms of the cell-associated full-length 39 kDa form of CD40 Ligand have been described with molecular weights of 33, and 18 kDa. Graf, et al. (1995) Eur. J. Immunol. 25: 1749; Ludewig, et al. (1996) Eur. J. Immunol. 26: 3137; Wykes, et al. (1998) Eur. J. Immunol. 28:548. The 18 kDa soluble form generated via intracellular proteolytic cleavage, which lacks the cytoplasmic tail, the transmembrane region and parts of the extracellular domain, but conserves the CD40 binding domain retains the ability to bind to CD40 receptor and therefore is an example of a CD40 receptor signaling agent. Graf, et al. (1995) supra.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,981,724 discloses DNA sequences encoding human CD40 Ligand (CD40L) as well as vectors, and transformed host cells for the purpose of producing CD40L polypeptides. U.S. Pat. No. 5,962,406 discloses DNA sequences encoding soluble forms of human CD40L.

Exemplary sequences of mammalian homologs to CD40L have the following Genbank accession numbers: NM_(—)204733 (Gallus gallus (chicken)); DQ054533 (Ovis aries (sheep)); 248469 (Bos taurus (cow)); AY333790 (Canis familiaris (dog)); Macaca nernestrina (pig-tailed macaque)); AF344844 (Callithrix jacchus (white-tufted-ear marmoset)); AF34481 (Cercicebus torquatus atys (sooty mangabey)); AF344860 (Aotus trivirgatus (douroucouli)); AF344859 Macaca mulatta (rhesus monkey)); AF116582 (Rattus nevegicus (Norway rat)); and AF079105 (Felus catus (cat)).

The CD40 receptor can also be activated by use of CD40 agonist antibodies, antibody fragments, derivatives and variants thereof. CD40 agonist antibodies can be purchased from commercial vendors such as Mabtech (Nacka, Sweden). Examples and methods to generate these agents are also provided infra. The literature also provides examples of CD40 agonist antibodies and antibody fragments. See, e.g., Osada, et al. (2002) 25(2):176 and Ledbetter, J. A. et al. (1997) Crit. Reviews in Immunol. 17:427.

As noted above, the agent having the biological activity of CD40L can be a polypeptide translated from an exogenous polynucleotide (mRNA or DNA) encoding CD40L. For example, the CD40L mRNA has the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:3. Alternatively, the cells are signaled with an effective amount of CD40L protein and/or polypeptide, for example, those having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:4. Modified CD40L can also be used in the methods of this invention. For example, CD40L includes those molecules that have been altered through addition, subtraction, or substitution, either conservatively or non-conservatively, of any number of amino acids, provided that the resulting protein binds CD40 on the surface of DC. A “conservative alteration” is one that results in an alternative amino acid of similar charge density, hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity, size, and/or configuration (e.g., Val for Ile). In comparison, a “nonconservative alteration” is one that results in an alternative amino acid of differing charge density, hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity, size and/or configuration (e.g., Val for Phe). The means of making such modifications are well-known in the art and also can be accomplished by means of commercially available kits and vectors (for example, those available from New England Biolabs, Inc., Beverly, Mass.; Clontech, Palo Alto, Calif.).

When the agents are delivered as polynucleotides or genes encoding the agents, an effective amount of the polynucleotide can be replicated by any method known in the art. PCR technology is one means to replicate DNA and is the subject matter of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,683,195; 4,800,159; 4,754,065; and 4,683,202 and described in PCR: THE POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (Mullis et al. eds, Birkhauser Press, Boston (1994)) and references cited therein. Additional methods to generate polynucleotides are provided infra.

In embodiments of the invention, wherein immature dendritic cells are stimulated with an agonist of TNF-α receptor, followed by stimulation with a CD40 agonist, the method is performed in the absence of an effective amount of interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β) and or interleukin 6 (IL-6). Methods for detecting the presence of proteins such as IL-1β and IL-6 are known in the art.

One of skill in the art can determine when the object of the method has been met by sampling a cell or small population of DCs from the population for the presence of mature DCs expressing CD40L mRNA and/or CD40L polypeptide. In a further aspect, the mature CD83⁺ CCR7⁺ DCs of the invention express interleukin 12 (IL-12) p35 protein. In a further aspect, mature CD83⁺ CCR7⁺ DCs express IL-12 p70 protein, and/or express limited IL-10 (not more than 500 pg/ml/10⁶ DCs).

The steps of the method can be practiced in vivo or ex vivo. When practiced ex vivo, the method can be practiced in an open or closed system. Methods and systems for culturing and enriching cell populations are known in the art. See, examples 1 and 2 of U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0072347. See also U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0235908, which describes closed systems for cell expansion.

In a further aspect, of this invention, the above method is modified by the addition of delivering to the immature or mature DCs an effective amount of an antigen which will be then be processed and presented by the mature DCs. Thus, the methods of the invention further comprise introducing into iDCs, signaled DCs or CCR7⁺ mature DCs one or more antigens or a polynucleotide(s) encoding one or more antigens to produce an antigen-loaded CCR7⁺ mature DCs. The antigen or antigen-encoding polynucleotide can be introduced prior to said first signal. Alternatively, the antigen or antigen-encoding polynucleotide is delivered subsequent to said first signal and prior to said second signal. In another embodiment, the antigen or polynucleotide is delivered subsequent to said second signal or substantially concurrent with said second signal.

For example, antigens include, but are not limited to, pathogens, pathogen lysates, pathogen extracts, pathogen polypeptides, viral particles, bacteria, proteins, polypeptides, cancer cells, cancer cell lysates, cancer cell extracts, cancer cell specific polypeptides. Antigens can be naturally occurring or recombinantly produced. The immunogens can be delivered to the cells as polypeptides, proteins or as nucleic acids using methods known in the art which are briefly described infra. Preferably, one or more polynucleotides encoding one or more antigens are introduced into the iDCs, signaled DCs or CCR7⁺ mature DCs. The polynucleotide can be introduced into the DCs by methods known to those of skill in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the polynucleotide is introduced by electroporation. Most preferably, the polynucleotide is an mRNA. In preferred embodiments, the antigen or antigen encoding mRNA is introduced together with an mRNA encoding a CD40 agonist or substantially concurrent with CD40 agonist signaling.

The methods can be further modified by contacting the cell with an effective amount of a cytokine or co-stimulatory molecule, e.g., GM-CSF, IL-4 and PGE₂. In embodiments where the immature DCs are signaled with a TNFαR agonist (in the absence of a IFNγR agonist) followed by signaling with CD40 agonist, effective amounts of IL-1β and/or IL-6 are specifically excluded from the culture.

The antigen may be delivered in its “natural” form in that no human intervention was involved in preparing the antigen or inducing it to enter the environment in which it encounters the APC. Alternatively or additionally, the antigen may comprise a crude preparation, for example of the type that is commonly administered in a conventional allergy shot or in a tumor lysate. The antigen may alternatively be substantially purified, e.g., at least about 90% pure.

Where the antigen is a peptide, it may be generated, for example, by proteolytic cleavage of isolated proteins. Any of a variety of cleavage agents may be utilized including, but not limited to, pepsin, cyanogen bromide, trypsin, chymotrypsin, etc. Alternatively, peptides may be chemically synthesized, preferably on an automated synthesizer such as is available in the art. Also, recombinant techniques may be employed to create a nucleic acid encoding the peptide of interest, and to express that peptide under desired conditions.

The antigen can alternatively have a structure that is distinct from any naturally-occurring compound. In certain embodiments of the invention, the antigen is a “modified antigen” in that the antigen has a structure that is substantially identical to that of a naturally-occurring antigen but that includes one or more deviations from the precise structure of the naturally-occurring compound. For instance, where the naturally-occurring antigen is a protein or polypeptide antigen, a modified antigen as compared with that protein or polypeptide antigen would have an amino acid sequence that differs from that of the naturally-occurring antigen in the addition, substitution, or deletion of one or more amino acids, and/or would include one or more amino acids that differ from the corresponding amino acid in the naturally-occurring antigen by the addition, substitution, or deletion of one or more chemical moieties covalently linked to the amino acid. In one aspect, the naturally-occurring and modified antigens share at least one region of at least 5 amino acids that are at least approximately 75% identical. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, in comparing two amino acid sequences to determine the extent of their identity, the spacing between stretches (i.e., regions of at least two) of identical amino acids need not always be precisely preserved. Naturally-occurring and modified protein or polypeptide antigens can show at least approximately 80% identity, more alternatively 85%, 90%, 95%, or greater than 99% identity in amino acid sequence for at least one region of at least 5 amino acids. Often, it may be useful for a much longer region (e.g., 10, 20, 50, or 100 or more amino acids) of amino acid sequence to show the designated degree of identity.

In preferred embodiments, the antigen is delivered as a polynucleotide or gene encoding the antigen, so that expression of the gene results in antigen production either in the individual being treated (when delivered in vivo) or the cell culture system (when delivered in vitro). Techniques for generating nucleic acids including an expressible gene, and for introducing such nucleic acids into an expression system in which any protein encoded by the expressible gene will be produced are known in the art and briefly described infra. Preferably, an mRNA encoding the antigen is introduced into the DC.

In one embodiment, the immunogen is delivered prior to said first signal, wherein the first signal is an IFNγR agonist or TNF-αR. Alternatively, the immunogen is delivered subsequent to said first signal and prior to said second signal, or the immunogen is delivered subsequent to said second signal. In another embodiment, the immunogen is delivered substantially concurrent with said second signal.

The amount of antigen to be employed in any particular composition or application will depend on the nature of the particular antigen and of the application for which it is being used, as will readily be appreciated by those of skill in the art.

The antigen-loaded dendritic cells are useful for raising an immune response to the antigen(s). Thus, in one aspect, the invention provides a method of raising an immune response in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the immunogen loaded CCR7⁺ mature DCs. The loaded DCs may be allogeneic or autologous to the subject.

The invention further provides a method of stimulating immune effector cells, comprising culturing said cells in the presence of an antigen loaded CCR7⁺ mature DCs produced by the methods of invention to produce stimulated immune effector cells. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of enhancing immunity in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of such stimulated immune effector cells.

In a further aspect of this invention, an effective amount of a cytokine and/or co-stimulatory molecule is delivered to the cells or patient, in vitro or in vivo. These agents can be delivered as polypeptides, proteins or alternatively, as the polynucleotides or genes encoding them. Cytokines, co-stimulatory molecules and chemokines can be provided as impure preparations (e.g., isolates of cells expressing a cytokine gene, either endogenous or exogenous to the cell) or in a “purified” form. Purified preparations are preferably at least about 90% pure, or alternatively, at least about 95% pure, or yet further, at least about 99% pure. Alternatively, genes encoding the cytokines or inducing agents may be provided, so that gene expression results in cytokine or inducing agent production either in the individual being treated or in another expression system (e.g., an in vitro transcription/translation system or a host cell) from which expressed cytokine or inducing agent can be obtained for administration to the individual.

Where both cytokine and antigen are to be delivered to an individual, they may be provided together or separately. When they are delivered as polypeptides or proteins, they can be delivered in a common encapsulation device or by means of physical association such as covalent linkage, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interaction, van der Waals interaction, etc. In an alternative embodiment, the compounds are provided together, genes encoding both are provided. For example, genes for both may be provided as part of the same nucleic acid molecule. In some embodiments, this nucleic acid molecule may be prepared so that both factors are expressed from a single contiguous polynucleotide, as a fusion protein in which the cytokine and the antigen are covalently linked to one another via a peptide bond. Alternatively or additionally, the genes may be linked to the same or equivalent control sequences, so that both genes become expressed within the individual in response to the same stimuli. A wide variety of different control sequences, active in different host cells under different conditions are known in the art. These control sequences, including constitutive control sequences, inducible control sequences, and repressible control sequences, can be used in accordance with the present invention, though inducible or repressible sequences are particularly preferred for applications in which additional control over the timing of gene expression is desired.

It is appreciated by those of skill in the art that administration of cytokine and/or antigen may optionally be combined with the administration of any other desired immune system modulatory factor such as, for example, an adjuvant or other immunomodulatory compound.

Antigens can also be delivered in the form of polynucleotides or genes encoding the antigens. The antigens can also be modified by linking a portion of sequence from a first polypeptide (e.g., a first antigen) to a portion of sequence from a second polypeptide (e.g., a second antigen, a signal sequence, a transmembrane domain, a purification handle, etc.) by means of a peptide bond. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the diversity of such fusion proteins for use in accordance with the present invention. Recombinant techniques further allow for the ready modification of the amino acid sequence of polypeptide or protein antigens, by substitution, deletion, addition, or inversion of amino acid sequences.

Where the immunogen is a fragment of an antigen, it may be generated, for example, by proteolytic cleavage of isolated proteins. Any of a variety of cleavage agents may be utilized including, but not limited to, pepsin, cyanogen bromide, trypsin, chymotrypsin, etc. Alternatively, peptides may be chemically synthesized, preferably on an automated synthesizer such as is available in the art (see, for example, Stewart et al., Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis, 2d. Ed., Pierce Chemical Co., 1984. Also, recombinant techniques may be employed to create a nucleic acid encoding the peptide of interest, and to express that peptide under desired conditions (e.g., in a host cell or an in vitro expression system from which it can readily be purified).

In preferred embodiments, the antigen is from a cancer cell or a pathogen. Preferably, the neoplastic cell is a renal cancer cell, a multiple myeloma cell or a melanoma cell. Preferred pathogens are HIV and HCV. In preferred embodiments, the antigen is delivered to the antigen presenting cell in the form of RNA isolated or derived from a neoplastic cell or a pathogen. Methods for RT-PCR of RNA extracted from any cell (e.g., a neoplastic cell or pathogen cell), and in vitro transcription are disclosed in copending WO 2006/031870 and WO 2005/052128, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.

The antigen employed in accordance with the present invention may be a naturally-occurring compound or may alternatively have a structure that is distinct from any naturally-occurring compound. In certain embodiments of the invention, the antigen is a “modified antigen” in that the antigen has a structure that is substantially identical to that of a naturally-occurring antigen but that includes one or more deviations from the precise structure of the naturally-occurring compound.

Also provided by this invention are the enriched populations of mature DCs prepared by any of the methods described herein. Mature DCs prepared by the methods of the invention have enhanced immunostimulatory characteristics. In another aspect, the invention provides a method for storing an enriched population of mature DCs, comprising contacting an enriched dendritic cell population of the invention with a suitable cryopreservative under suitable conditions.

The compositions described herein are useful to raise an immune response in a subject by administering to the subject an effective amount of the enriched population of cells, e.g., DCs, modified DCs, or educated immune effector cells. The cells can be allogeneic or autologous. They can be administered to a subject to raise or induce an immune response in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the enriched populations as described above. The cells can be allogeneic or autologous to the subject. They can also be used to educate immune effector cells such as T cells by culturing the immune effector cell in the presence and at the expense of a mature DC of this invention. The educated effector cells can also be used to enhance immunity in a subject by delivering to the subject an effective amount of these cells.

Methods for Generating and Delivering Polynucleotides

Certain embodiments of this invention require the use of polynucleotides. These can be generated and replicated using any method known in the art, e.g., one of skill in the art can use the sequences provided herein and a commercial DNA synthesizer to replicate the DNA. Alternatively, they can be obtained by providing the linear sequence of the polynucleotide, appropriate primer molecules, chemicals such as enzymes and instructions for their replication and chemically replicating or linking the nucleotides in the proper orientation to obtain the polynucleotides. In a separate embodiment, these polynucleotides are further isolated. Still further, one of skill in the art can insert the polynucleotide into a suitable replication vector and insert the vector into a suitable host cell (prokaryotic or eukaryotic) for replication and amplification. The DNA so amplified can be isolated from the cell by methods well known to those of skill in the art. A process for obtaining polynucleotides by this method is further provided herein as well as the polynucleotides so obtained.

In one embodiment, the agent (e.g., CD40L) is delivered as mRNA. RNA can be obtained by first inserting a DNA polynucleotide into a suitable host cell or preferably, by in vitro transcription. The DNA can be inserted by any appropriate method, e.g., by the use of an appropriate gene delivery vehicle (e.g., liposome, plasmid or vector) or by electroporation. When the cell replicates and the DNA is transcribed into RNA; the RNA can then be isolated using methods well known to those of skill in the art, for example, as set forth in Sambrook et al. (1989) supra. For instance, mRNA can be isolated using various lytic enzymes or chemical solutions according to the procedures set forth in Sambrook, et al. (1989) supra or extracted by nucleic-acid-binding resins following the accompanying instructions provided by the manufacturer.

In preferred embodiments, the CD40L expression cassette contains a promoter suitable for in vitro transcription, such as the T7 promoter or SP6 promoter. Preferably, the in vitro transcribed CD40L or CD40 agonist mRNA is optimized for stability and efficiency of translation. For example, SEQ ID NO:13 represents an optimized CD40L mRNA, wherein ATG codons in the 5′ untranslated region have been altered to avoid incorrect initiation of translation. In one embodiment, the CD40L RNA corresponds to SEQ ID NO:31. As used herein, an RNA “corresponds to” a DNA sequence given in a SEQ ID NO, when the corresponding ribonucleotides or their analogs are substituted for the deoxyribonucleotides (e.g., riboadenine (rA) is substituted for deoxyriboadenine (dA); riboguanine (rG) is substituted for deoxyriboguanine (dG); ribocytidine (rC) is substituted for deoxyribocytidine (dC); and (ribo)uradine (rU) is substituted for deoxythymidine (dT)).

mRNA stability and/or translational efficiency can also be increased by including 3′UTRs and or 5′UTRs in the mRNA. Preferred examples of 3′UTRs include those from human CD40, β-actin and rotavirus gene 6. Preferred examples of 5′UTRs include CD40L, and the translational enhancers in the 5′UTRs of Hsp70, VEGF, spleen necrosis virus RU5, and tobacco etch virus.

For example, CD40L expression is normally regulated in part by 3′UTR-mediated mRNA instability, and therefore a large portion of the CD40L 3′UTR is not included in the current CD40L mRNA. CD40L is not normally expressed in DCs. In contrast, the CD40 Receptor is expressed in DCs and there is no evidence in the literature to indicate that its expression is regulated post-transcriptionally, particularly at the level of mRNA stability. Including the CD40 Receptor 3′UTR (SEQ ID NO:14, or an active fragment thereof) at the 3′ end or region of the CD40L mRNA would give the RNA 3′ untranslated sequence similar to naturally occurring CD40 messages without imparting any unwanted regulatory activity.

Beta-Actin is an abundantly expressed gene in human non-muscle cells. The human beta-actin promoter has been widely used to drive gene expression in mammalian cell lines and transgenic mice. Inclusion of the beta-actin 3′UTR plus flanking region has been demonstrated to further increase the level of mRNA accumulation from gene expression constructs containing the beta-actin promoter.

Qin and Gunning (1997) Journal of Biochemical and Biophysical Methods 36 pp. 63-72. SEQ ID NO:15 represents the untranslated region of the final exon of the human beta-actin 3′ UTR. SEQ ID NO:16 shows the minimal region of this 3′UTR.

The 3′UTR of the simian rotavirus gene 6 (SEQ ID NO:17) mRNA functions as an enhancer of translation in its capped, non-polyadenylated viral transcript. The 3′UTR has also been shown to enhance translation of a heterologous reporter mRNA in Rabbit reticulocyte lysates. Yang et. al., 2004 Archives of Virology 149:303-321. The minimal functional element of this 3′UTR is shown in SEQ ID NO:18

The 5′ UTR of the human hsp70 gene (SEQ ID NO:19) has been shown to increase translation of reporter mRNAs in the absence of stress induction and without dramatically influencing the message stability. Enhancer function has been demonstrated in a number of human cell lines. Vivinus, et al., 2001 European Journal of Biochemistry 268:1908-1917.

The mouse VEGF 5′ UTR (SEQ ID NO:20) enhances translation of a monocistronic reporter RNA and also has IRES (Internal Ribosome Entry Site) activity. Its enhancer activity has been demonstrated in rat, hamster and human cell lines. The full length 5′UTR is 1014 nucleotides, but a 163 nucleotide mutant version (SEQ ID NO:21) was shown to be more active. Stein et al., 1998 Molecular and Cellular Biology 18:3112-3119.

The Spleen Necrosis Virus (SNV) is an avian retrovirus. The RU5 region of the viral 5′ LTR (SEQ ID NO:22) stimulates translation efficiency of a non-viral reporter RNA in human 293 cells. Roberts and Boris-Lawrie (2000) Journal of Virology 74:8111-8118.

The 143 nucleotide 5′ leader of the tobacco etch virus RNA (SEQ ID NO:23) promotes cap-independent translation of reporter mRNAs in plant and animal cell lines. Although the leader sequence does not further enhance the translation of capped transcripts, the cap-independent CD40L expression in dendritic cells is a very attractive alternative to in vitro capping. Gallie et al. (1995) Gene 165:233-238. Niepel and Gallie (1999) Journal of Virology 73:9080-9088. Gallie, Journal of Virology (2001) 75:12141-12152.

Human globin mRNAs are highly stable in erythrocyte progenitor cells with half-lives ranging from 16 to 20 hours. The cis-acting elements required for α- and β-globin mRNA stability have been well defined and are located in the 3′ untranslated region of each message (Holcik and Liebehaber, 1997 PNAS 94 2410-2414; and Yu and Russell, 2001, Molecular and Cellular Biology 21(17) 5879-5888). The sequence of the human α-globin 3′UTR is shown in SEQ ID NO:27. The sequence of the human β-globin 3′UTR is shown in SEQ ID NO:28. The sequence of the human β-globin 3′UTR, minus Purine-Rich Element 3 is shown in SEQ ID NO:29.

Dendritic cells can be transfected with nucleic acids by methods known in the art, which include, but are not limited to calcium phosphate precipitation, microinjection or electroporation. They can be added alone or in combination with a suitable carrier, e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier such as phosphate buffered saline. Alternatively or additionally, the nucleic acid can be incorporated into an expression or insertion vector for incorporation into the cells. Vectors that contain both a promoter and a cloning site into which a polynucleotide can be operatively linked are known in the art. Such vectors are capable of transcribing RNA in vitro or in vivo, and are commercially available from sources such as Stratagene (La Jolla, Calif.) and Promega Biotech (Madison, Wis.). In order to optimize expression and/or in vitro transcription, it may be necessary to remove, add or alter 5′ and/or 3′ untranslated portions of the clones to eliminate extra, potential inappropriate alternative translation initiation codons or other sequences that may interfere with or reduce expression, either at the level of transcription or translation. Alternatively, consensus ribosome binding sites can be inserted immediately 5′ of the start codon to enhance expression. Examples of vectors are viruses, such as baculovirus and retrovirus, bacteriophage, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, cosmid, plasmid, fungal vectors and other recombination vehicles typically used in the art which have been described for expression in a variety of eukaryotic and prokaryotic hosts, and may be used for gene therapy as well as for simple protein expression.

Among these are several non-viral vectors, including DNA/liposome complexes, and targeted viral protein DNA complexes. To enhance delivery to a cell, the nucleic acid or proteins of this invention can be conjugated to antibodies or binding fragments thereof which bind cell surface antigens. Liposomes that also comprise a targeting antibody or fragment thereof can be used in the methods of this invention. This invention also provides the targeting complexes for use in the methods disclosed herein.

Polynucleotides are inserted into vector genomes using methods known in the art. For example, insert and vector DNA can be contacted, under suitable conditions, with a restriction enzyme to create complementary ends on each molecule that can pair with each other and be joined together with a ligase. Alternatively, synthetic nucleic acid linkers can be ligated to the termini of restricted polynucleotide. These synthetic linkers contain nucleic acid sequences that correspond to a particular restriction site in the vector DNA. Additionally, an oligonucleotide containing a termination codon and an appropriate restriction site can be ligated for insertion into a vector containing, for example, some or all of the following: a selectable marker gene, such as the neomycin gene for selection of stable or transient transfectants in mammalian cells; enhancer/promoter sequences from the immediate early gene of human CMV for high levels of transcription; transcription termination and RNA processing signals from SV40 for mRNA stability; SV40 polyoma origins of replication and ColE1 for proper episomal replication; versatile multiple cloning sites; and T7 and SP6 RNA promoters for in vitro transcription of sense and antisense RNA. Other means are known and available in the art.

Preparation and Isolation of Proteins and Polypeptides

Polypeptides and proteins are necessary components of various methods of this invention. The proteins and polypeptides can be obtained by chemical synthesis using a commercially available automated peptide synthesizer such as those manufactured by Perkin Elmer/Applied Biosystems, Inc., Model 430A or 431A, Foster City, Calif., USA. The synthesized protein or polypeptide can be precipitated and further purified, for example by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Alternatively, the proteins and polypeptides can be obtained by known recombinant methods as described herein using the host cell and vector systems described below.

It is well know to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to any peptide to provide it with altered properties. As used herein the term “amino acid” refers to either natural and/or unnatural or synthetic amino acids, including glycine and both the D and L optical isomers, and amino acid analogs and peptidomimetics. A peptide of three or more amino acids is commonly called an oligopeptide if the peptide chain is short. If the peptide chain is long, the peptide is commonly called a polypeptide or a protein. Peptides for use in this invention can be modified to include unnatural amino acids. Thus, the peptides may comprise D-amino acids, a combination of D- and L-amino acids, and various “designer” amino acids (e.g., β-methyl amino acids, C-α-methyl amino acids, and N-α-methyl amino acids, etc.) to convey special properties to peptides. Additionally, by assigning specific amino acids at specific coupling steps, peptides with α-helices β turns, β sheets, γ-turns, and cyclic peptides can be generated. In a further embodiment, subunits of peptides that confer useful chemical and structural properties will be chosen. For example, peptides comprising D-amino acids may be resistant to L-amino acid-specific proteases in vivo. Modified compounds with D-amino acids may be synthesized with the amino acids aligned in reverse order to produce the peptides of the invention as retro-inverso peptides. In addition, the present invention envisions preparing peptides that have better defined structural properties, and the use of peptidomimetics, and peptidomimetic bonds, such as ester bonds, to prepare peptides with novel properties. In another embodiment, a peptide may be generated that incorporates a reduced peptide bond, i.e., R₁—CH₂NH—R₂, where R₁, and R₂ are amino acid residues or sequences. A reduced peptide bond may be introduced as a dipeptide subunit. Such a molecule would be resistant to peptide bond hydrolysis, e.g., protease activity. Such molecules would provide peptides with unique function and activity, such as extended half-lives in vivo due to resistance to metabolic breakdown, or protease activity. Furthermore, it is well known that in certain systems constrained peptides show enhanced functional activity (Hruby (1982) Life Sciences 31:189-199 and Hruby et al. (1990) Biochem 3. 268:249-262); the present invention provides a method to produce a constrained peptide that incorporates random sequences at all other positions.

Methods for Isolating Stem Cells

Many methods are known in the art for the isolation and expansion of CD34⁺ stem cells for in vitro expansion and differentiation into dendritic cells. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,942, the contents of which is incorporated by reference. The following descriptions are for the purpose of illustration only and in no way are intended to limit the scope of the invention.

CD34⁺ stem cells can be isolated from bone marrow cells or by panning the bone marrow cells or other sources with antibodies which bind unwanted cells, such as CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ (T cells), CD45⁺ (panB cells) and GR-1 For a detailed description of this protocol see, Inaba, et al. (1992) 3. Exp. Med. 176:1693-1702. Human CD34⁺ cells can be obtained from a variety of sources, including cord blood, bone marrow explants, and mobilized peripheral blood. Purification of CD34⁺ cells can be accomplished by antibody affinity procedures. See, for example, Paczesny et al. (2004) 3 Exp Med. 199: 1503-11; Ho, et al. (1995) Stem Cells 13 (suppl. 3):100-105; Brenner (1993) Journal of Hematotherapy 2:7-17; and Yu, et al. (1995) PNAS 92:699-703.

Differentiating Stem Cells into Immature Dendritic Cells

CD34⁺ stem cells can be differentiated into dendritic cells by incubating the cells with the appropriate cytokines. Inaba et al. (1994) supra, described the in vitro differentiation of murine stem cells into dendritic cells by incubating the stem cells with murine GM-CSF. In brief, isolated stem cells are incubated with between 1 and 200 ng/ml murine GM-CSF, and preferably about 20 ng/ml GM-CSF in standard RPMI growth medium. The media is changed with fresh media about once every other day. After approximately 5-7 days in culture, a large percentage of cells are dendritic, as assessed by expression of surface markers and morphology. Dendritic cells are isolated by florescence activated cell sorting (FACS) or by other standard methods.

Murine CD34⁺ stem cells can be differentiated into dendritic cells by culturing the cells with murine GM-CSF. Typically, the concentration of GM-CSF in culture is at least about 0.2 ng/ml, and preferably at least about 1 ng/ml. Often the range will be between about 20 ng/ml and 200 ng/ml. In many preferred embodiments, the dose will be about 100 ng/ml. IL-4 is optionally added in similar ranges for making murine DCs.

Human CD34⁺ hematopoietic stem cells are preferably differentiated in vitro by culturing the cells with human GM-CSF and TNF-α. See for example, Szabolcs, et al. (1995) 154:5851-5861. Human GM-CSF is used in similar ranges, and TNF-α can also added to facilitate differentiation. TNF-α is also typically added in about the same ranges. Optionally, SCF or other proliferation ligand (e.g., Flt3) is added in similar dose ranges to differentiate human DCs.

As is apparent to those of skill in the art, dose ranges for differentiating stem cells and monocytes into dendritic cells are approximate. Different suppliers and different lots of cytokine from the same supplier vary in the activity of the cytokine. One of skill can easily titrate each cytokine that is used to determine the optimal dose for any particular cytokine.

Differentiation of Monocytes into Dendritic Cells

DCs can be generated from frequent, but non-proliferating CD14⁺ precursors (monocytes) in peripheral blood by culture in medium containing GM-CSF and IL-4 or GM-CSF and IL-13 (see, e.g., WO 97/29182). This method is described in Sallusto and Lanzavecchia (1994) J. Exp. Med. 179:1109 and Romani et al. (1994) J. Exp. Med. 180:83. Briefly, CD14⁺ precursors are abundant so that pretreatment of patients with cytokines such as G-CSF (used to increase CD34⁺ cells and more committed precursors in peripheral blood) is reported to be unnecessary in most cases (Romani et al. (1996) J. Immunol. Methods 196:137). Others have reported that DCs generated by this approach appear rather homogenous and can be produced in an immature state or fully differentiated or mature. It was shown that it is possible to avoid non-human proteins such as FCS (fetal calf serum), and to obtain fully and irreversibly mature and stable DCs by using autologous monocyte conditioned medium as maturation stimulus (Romani et al. (1996) Immunol. Methods 196:137; Bender et al. (1996) J. Immunol. Methods 196:121). However, in contrast to the instant invention, these studies did not result in mature DC having increased levels of IL-12 and/or decreased levels of IL-10.

Antigen Loading

Methods of loading dendritic cells with antigens are known to those of skill in the art. In one embodiment, the dendritic cells are cultured in medium containing the antigen. The DCs then take up and process the antigen on the cell surface in association with MHC molecules. Preferably, the DCs are loaded with antigen by transfection with a nucleic acid encoding the antigen. Methods of transfecting DCs are known to those of skill in the art.

Isolation of and Expansion of T Cells

In some methods of this invention, T cells are isolated from mammals so that they can be educated (or activated) by the mature, modified DC in vitro. In one method, Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centrifugation is used to separate PBMC from red blood cells and neutrophils according to established procedures. Cells are washed with modified AIM-V (which consists of AIM-V (GIBCO) with 2 mM glutamine, 10 μg/ml gentamicin sulfate, 50 μg/ml streptomycin) supplemented with 1% fetal bovine serum (FBS). T cells are enriched by negative or positive selection with appropriate monoclonal antibodies coupled to columns or magnetic beads according to standard techniques. An aliquot of cells is analyzed for cell surface phenotype including CD4, CD8, CD3 and CD14. For the purpose of illustration only, cells are washed and resuspended at a concentration of about 5×10⁵ cells per ml of AIM-V modified as above and containing 5% FBS and 100 U/ml recombinant IL-2 (rIL-2) (supplemented AIM-V). Where the cells are isolated from and HIV⁺ patient, 25 nM CD4-PE40 (a recombinant protein consisting of the HIV-1-binding CD4 domain linked to the translocation and ADP-ribosylation domains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A), or other similar recombinant cytotoxic molecule which selectively hybridizes to HIV is added to the cell cultures for the remainder of the cell expansion to selectively remove HIV infected cells from the culture. CD4-PE40 has been shown to inhibit p24 production in HIV-infected cell cultures and to selectively kill HIV-1-infected cells.

To stimulate proliferation, OKT3 monoclonal antibody (Ortho Diagnostics) can be added to a concentration of 10 ng/ml and the cells are plated in 24 well plates with 0.5 ml per well. The cells are cultured at a temperature of about 37° C. in a humidified incubator with 5% CO₂ for 48 hours. Media is aspirated from the cells and 1 ml of vector-containing supernatant (described below) supplemented with 5 μl/ml of protamine sulfate, 100 U/ml rIL-2, 100 U/ml penicillin, 0.25 μg/ml amphotericin B/ml and an additional 100 μg/ml streptomycin (25 nM CD4-PE40 can be added).

Cell Isolation and Characterization

In another aspect, cell surface markers can be used to isolate the cells necessary to practice the method of this invention. For example, human stem cells typically express CD34 antigen while DCs express MHC molecules and costimulatory molecules (e.g., B7-1 and B7-2), a lack of markers specific for granulocytes, NK cells, B cells, and T cells. The expression of surface markers facilitates identification and purification of these cells. These methods of identification and isolation include FACS, column chromatography, panning with magnetic beads, western blots, radiography, electrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), thin layer chromatography (TLC), hyperdiffusion chromatography, and the like, and various immunological methods such as fluid or gel precipitin reactions, immunodiffusion (single or double), immunoelectrophoresis, radioimmunoassays (RIAs), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), immunofluorescent assays, and the like. For a review of immunological and immunoassay procedures in general, see Stites and Ten (eds.) 1991 Basic and Clinical Immunology (7th ed.) and Paul supra. For a discussion of how to make antibodies to selected antigens see Harlow and Lane (1989) supra.

Cell isolation or immunoassays for detection of cells during cell purification can be performed in any of several configurations, e.g., those reviewed in Maggio (ed.) (1980) Enzyme Immunoassay CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla.; Tijan (1985) “Practice and Theory of Enzyme Immunoassays,” Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., Amsterdam; Harlow and Lane, supra; Chan (ed.) (1987) Immunoassay: A Practical Guide Academic Press, Orlando, Fla.; Price and Newman (eds.) (1991) Principles and Practice of Immunoassays Stockton Press, NY; and Ngo (ed.) (1988) Non-isotopic Immunoassays Plenum Press, NY.

Cells can be isolated and characterized by flow cytometry methods such a FACS analysis. A wide variety of flow-cytometry methods are known. For a general overview of fluorescence activated flow cytometry see, for example, Abbas et al. (1991) Cellular and Molecular immunology W.B. Saunders Company, particularly chapter 3, and Kuby (1992) Immunology W.H. Freeman and Company, particularly chapter 6. FACS machines are available, e.g., from Becton Dickinson.

Labeling agents which can be used to label cell antigen include, but are not limited to monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, proteins, or other polymers such as affinity matrices, carbohydrates or lipids. Detection proceeds by any known method, such as immunoblotting, western blot analysis, tracking of radioactive or bioluminescent markers, capillary electrophoresis, or other methods which track a molecule based upon size, charge or affinity.

Antibodies

Certain aspects of this method require the use of antibodies. Such antibodies can be monoclonal or polyclonal. They can be antibody derivatives or antibody variants. They can be chimeric, humanized, or totally human. Using a protein or a polypeptide one of skill in the art can generate additionally antibodies which specifically bind to the receptor. A functional fragment or derivative of an antibody also can be used including Fab, Fab′, Fab2, Fab′2, and single chain variable regions. Antibodies can be produced in cell culture, in phage, or in various animals, including but not limited to cows, rabbits, goats, mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, sheep, dogs, cats, monkeys, chimpanzees, apes, etc. So long as the fragment or derivative retains specificity of binding for the protein or fragment thereof it can be used. Antibodies can be tested for specificity of binding by comparing binding to appropriate antigen to binding to irrelevant antigen or antigen mixture under a given set of conditions. If the antibody binds to the appropriate antigen at least 2, 5, 7, and preferably 10 times more than to irrelevant antigen or antigen mixture then it is considered to be specific.

Techniques for making such partially to fully human antibodies are known in the art and any such techniques can be used. According to one embodiment, fully human antibody sequences are made in a transgenic mouse which has been engineered to express human heavy and light chain antibody genes. Multiple strains of such transgenic mice have been made which can produce different classes of antibodies. B cells from transgenic mice which are producing a desirable antibody can be fused to make hybridoma cell lines for continuous production of the desired antibody. See for example, Russel et al. (2000) Infection and Immunity April 2000: 1820-1826; Gallo et al. (2000) European J. of Immun. 30:534-540; Green (1999) J. of Immun. Methods 231:11-23; Yang et al. (1999A) J. of Leukocyte Biology 66:401-410; Yang (1999B) Cancer Research 59(6):1236-1243; Jakobovits (1998) Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews 31:33-42; Green and Jakobovits (1998) Exp. Med. 188(3):483-495; Jakobovits (1998) Exp. Opin. Invest. Drugs 7(4):607-614; Tsuda et al. (1997) Genomics 42:413-421; Sherman-Gold (1997). Genetic Engineering News 17:14; Mendez et al. (1997) Nature Genetics 15:146-156; Jakobovits (1996) WEIR'S HANDBOOK OF EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY, THE INTEGRATED IMMUNE SYSTEM VOL. IV, 194.1-194.7; Jakobovits (1995) Current Opinion in Biotechnology 6:561-566; Mendez et al. (1995) Genomics 26:294-307; Jakobovits (1994) Current Biology 4:761-763; Arbones et al. (1994) Immunity 1:247-260; Jakobovits (1993) Nature 362:255-258; Jakobovits et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:2551-2555; Kucherlapati, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,075,181.

Antibodies can also be made using phage display techniques. Such techniques can be used to isolate an initial antibody or to generate variants with altered specificity or avidity characteristics. Single chain Fv can also be used as is convenient. They can be made from vaccinated transgenic mice, if desired.

The antibodies of this invention also can be modified to create chimeric antibodies. Chimeric antibodies are those in which the various domains of the antibodies' heavy and light chains are coded for by DNA from more than one species. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567.

The term “antibody variant” also includes “diabodies” which are small antibody fragments with two antigen-binding sites, wherein fragments comprise a heavy chain variable domain (VH) connected to a light chain variable domain (VL) in the same polypeptide chain (VH VL). See for example, EP 404,097; WO 93/11161; and Hollinger et al., (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:6444-6448. By using a linker that is too short to allow pairing between the two domains on the same chain, the domains are forced to pair with the complementary domains of another chain and create two antigen-binding sites. See also, U.S. Pat. No. 6,632,926 to Chen et al. which discloses antibody variants that have one or more amino acids inserted into a hypervariable region of the parent antibody and a binding affinity for a target antigen which is at least about two fold stronger than the binding affinity of the parent antibody for the antigen. The term also includes post-translational modification to linear polypeptide sequence of the antibody or fragment. The term “antibody variant” further includes “linear antibodies”. The procedure for making such variants is known in the art and described in Zapata et al. (1995) Protein Eng. 8(10):1057-1062. Briefly, these antibodies comprise a pair of tandem Fd segments (VH˜CH 1-VH-CH1) which form a pair of antigen binding regions. Linear antibodies can be bispecific or monospecific.

Methods to Detect Nucleic Acids

Various methods are known for quantifying the expression of a gene of interest (e.g. CD40L and/or IL-12p35) and include but are not limited to hybridization assays (Northern blot analysis) and PCR based hybridization assays. In assaying for an alteration in mRNA level such as IL-12 p35 mRNA or CD40L mRNA, the nucleic acid contained in a sample can be first extracted. For instance, mRNA can be isolated using various lytic enzymes or chemical solutions according to the procedures set forth in Sambrook et al. (1989), supra or extracted by commercially available nucleic-acid-binding resins following the accompanying instructions provided by the manufacturers. The mRNA contained in the extracted nucleic acid sample can then detected by hybridization (e.g., Northern blot analysis) and/or amplification procedures using nucleic acid probes and/or primers, respectively, according to standard procedures.

Nucleic acid molecules having at least 10 nucleotides and exhibiting sequence complementarity or homology to the nucleic acid to be detected can be used as hybridization probes or primers in the diagnostic methods. It is known in the art that a “perfectly matched” probe is not needed for a specific hybridization. Minor changes in probe sequence achieved by substitution, deletion or insertion of a small number of bases do not affect the hybridization specificity. In general, as much as 20% base-pair mismatch (when optimally aligned) can be tolerated. For example, a probe useful for detecting CD40L mRNA is at least about 80% identical to the homologous region of comparable size contained in a previously identified sequence, e.g., see SEQ ID NOS: 1 or 3. Alternatively, the probe is at least 85% or even at least 90% identical to the corresponding gene sequence after alignment of the homologous region. The total size of fragment, as well as the size of the complementary stretches, will depend on the intended use or application of the particular nucleic acid segment. Smaller fragments of the gene will generally find use in hybridization embodiments, wherein the length of the complementary region may be varied, such as between about 10 and about 100 nucleotides, or even full length according to the complementary sequences one wishes to detect.

Nucleotide probes having complementary sequences over stretches greater than about 10 nucleotides in length will increase stability and selectivity of the hybrid, and thereby improving the specificity of particular hybrid molecules obtained. One can design nucleic acid molecules having gene-complementary stretches of more than about 25 and even more preferably more than about 50 nucleotides in length, or even longer where desired. Such fragments may be readily prepared by, for example, directly synthesizing the fragment by chemical means, by application of nucleic acid reproduction technology, such as the PCR™ technology with two priming oligonucleotides as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,102 or by introducing selected sequences into recombinant vectors for recombinant production.

In certain embodiments, it will be advantageous to employ nucleic acid sequences of the present invention in combination with an appropriate means, such as a label, for detecting hybridization and therefore complementary sequences. A wide variety of appropriate indicator means are known in the art, including fluorescent, radioactive, enzymatic or other ligands, such as avidin/biotin, which are capable of giving a detectable signal. A fluorescent label or an enzyme tag, such as urease, alkaline phosphatase or peroxidase, instead of radioactive or other environmental undesirable reagents can also be used. In the case of enzyme tags, colorimetric indicator substrates are known which can be employed to provide a means visible to the human eye or spectrophotometrically, to identify specific hybridization with complementary nucleic acid-containing samples.

Hybridization reactions can be performed under conditions of different “stringency”. Relevant conditions include temperature, ionic strength, time of incubation, the presence of additional solutes in the reaction mixture such as formamide, and the washing procedure. Higher stringency conditions are those conditions, such as higher temperature and lower sodium ion concentration, which require higher minimum complementarity between hybridizing elements for a stable hybridization complex to form. Conditions that increase the stringency of a hybridization reaction are widely known and published in the art. See, Sambrook, et al. (1989) supra. One can also utilize detect and quantify mRNA level or its expression using quantitative PCR or high throughput analysis such as Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE) as described in Velculescu et al. (1995) Science 270:484-487. Briefly, the method comprises isolating multiple mRNAs from cell or tissue samples suspected of containing the transcript. Optionally, the gene transcripts can be converted to cDNA. A sampling of the gene transcripts are subjected to sequence-specific analysis and quantified. These gene transcript sequence abundances are compared against reference database sequence abundances including normal data sets for diseased and healthy patients. The patient has the disease(s) with which the patient's data set most closely correlates and for this application, includes the differential of the transcript.

In certain aspects, it may be necessary to use polynucleotides as nucleotide probes or primers for the amplification and detection of genes or gene transcripts. A primer useful for detecting differentially expressed mRNA is at least about 80% identical to the homologous region of comparable size of a gene or polynucleotide. For the purpose of this invention, amplification means any method employing a primer-dependent polymerase capable of replicating a target sequence with reasonable fidelity. Amplification may be carried out by natural or recombinant DNA-polymerases such as T7 DNA polymerase, Klenow fragment of E. coli DNA polymerase, and reverse transcriptase.

General procedures for PCR are taught in MacPherson et al., PCR: A PRACTICAL APPROACH, (IRL Press at Oxford University Press (1991)). However, PCR conditions used for each application reaction are empirically determined. A number of parameters influence the success of a reaction. Among them are annealing temperature and time, extension time, Mg²⁺ ATP concentration, pH, and the relative concentration of primers, templates, and deoxyribonucleotides.

After amplification, the resulting DNA fragments can be detected by agarose gel electrophoresis followed by visualization with ethidium bromide staining and ultraviolet illumination. A specific amplification of differentially expressed genes of interest can be verified by demonstrating that the amplified DNA fragment has the predicted size, exhibits the predicated restriction digestion pattern, and/or hybridizes to the correct cloned DNA sequence. Other methods for detecting gene expression are known to those skilled in the art. See, for example, International PCI Application No. WO 97/10365, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,405,783, 5,412,087 and 5,445,934, 5,405,783; 5,412,087; 5,445,934; 5,578,832; 5,631,734; and LABORATORY TECHNIQUES IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, Vol. 24: Hybridization with Nucleic Acid Probes, Tijssen, ed. Elsevier, N.Y. (1993).

Methods for Detecting and Quantifying Protein or Polypeptides

A variety of techniques are available in the art for protein analysis and include, but are not limited to radioimmunoassays, ELISA (enzyme linked immunoradiometric assays), “sandwich” immunoassays, immunoradiometric assays, in situ immunoassays (using e.g., colloidal gold, enzyme or radioisotope labels), western blot analysis, immunoprecipitation assays, immunofluorescent assays and PAGE-SDS.

Ex Vivo Therapy

As noted above, this invention also provides ex vivo therapeutic methods using the dendritic cells or educated T cells produced by the methods of this invention. For example, dendritic cells are transformed with an immunogen can be used to activate cytotoxic and helper T cells in vitro. Alternatively, the transformed dendritic cells are introduced into a mammal to activate the T cells in vivo. Yet further, T cells educated in vitro can be introduced into a mammal where they are cytotoxic against target cells bearing antigenic peptides corresponding to those the T cells are activated to recognize on class I MHC molecules. These target cells are typically cancer cells, or infected cells which express unique antigenic peptides on their MHC class I surfaces.

Similarly, helper T-cells, which recognize antigenic peptides in the context of MHC class II, can also be stimulated by the DCs of the invention, which comprise antigenic peptides both in the context of class I and class II MHC. Helper T-cells also stimulate an immune response against a target cell. As with cytotoxic T-cells, helper T-cells are stimulated with the recombinant DCs in vitro or in vivo.

The dendritic cells and T cells can be isolated from the mammal into which the DCs and/or activated T cells are to administered. Alternatively, the cells can be allogeneic provided from a donor or stored in a cell bank (e.g., a blood bank).

In Vivo Therapy

T cells or dendritic cells produced by the methods of this invention can be administered directly to the subject to produce T cells active against a selected immunogen. Administration can be by methods known in the art to successfully deliver a cell into ultimate contact with a subject's blood or tissue cells.

The cells are administered in any suitable manner, often with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Suitable methods of administering cells in the context of the present invention to a subject are available, and, although more than one route can be used to administer a particular cell composition, a particular route can often provide a more immediate and more effective reaction than another route. Preferred routes of administration include, but are not limited to intradermal and intravenous administration.

Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are determined in part by the particular composition being administered, as well as by the particular method used to administer the composition. Accordingly, there is a wide variety of suitable formulations of pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention. Most typically, quality controls (microbiology, clonogenic assays, viability tests), are performed and the cells are reinfused back to the subject, preceded by the administration of diphenhydramine and hydrocortisone. See, for example, Korbling et al. (1986) Blood 67:529-532 and Haas et al. (1990) Exp. Hematol. 18:94-98.

Formulations suitable for parenteral administration, such as, for example, by intraarticular (in the joints), intravenous, intramuscular, intradermal, intraperitoneal, intranodal and subcutaneous routes, and carriers include aqueous isotonic sterile injection solutions, which can contain antioxidants, buffers, bacteriostats, and solutes that render the formulation isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient, and aqueous and non-aqueous sterile suspensions that can include suspending agents, solubilizers, thickening agents, stabilizers, and preservatives. Intradermal and intravenous administration are the preferred method of administration for DCs or T cells of the invention.

The dose of cells (e.g., activated T cells, or dendritic cells) administered to a subject is in an effective amount, effective to achieve the desired beneficial therapeutic response in the subject over time, or to inhibit growth of cancer cells, or to inhibit infection.

For the purpose of illustration only, the method can be practiced by obtaining and saving blood samples from the subject prior to infusion for subsequent analysis and comparison. Generally at least about 10⁴ to 10⁶ and typically, between 1×10⁸ and 1×10¹⁰ cells are infused intravenously or intraperitoneally into a 70 kg patient over roughly 60-120 minutes. In one aspect, administration is by intravenous infusion. Vital signs and oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry are closely monitored. Blood samples are obtained 5 minutes and 1 hour following infusion and saved for analysis. Cell re-infusions are repeated roughly every month for a total of 10-12 treatments in a one year period. After the first treatment, infusions can be performed on an outpatient basis at the discretion of the clinician. If the re-infusion is given as an outpatient, the participant is monitored for at least 4 hours following the therapy.

For administration, cells of the present invention can be administered at a rate determined by the effective dose, the LD-50 (or other measure of toxicity) of the cell type, and the side-effects of the cell type at various concentrations, as applied to the mass and overall health of the subject. Administration can be accomplished via single or divided doses. The cells of this invention can supplement other treatments for a condition by known conventional therapy, including cytotoxic agents, nucleotide analogues and biologic response modifiers. Similarly, biological response modifiers are optionally added for treatment by the DCs or activated T cells of the invention. For example, the cells are optionally administered with an adjuvant, or cytokine such as GM-CSF, IL-12 or IL-2.

In Vitro Assays and Kits

The present invention provides commercially valuable kits to practice the maturation methods of the invention. In one aspect, the kit comprises IFNγ polypeptide, or an expression cassette for expressing IFNγ mRNA in vivo or in vitro, and CD40L polypeptide, or an expression cassette for expressing CD40L mRNA in vivo or in vitro expression of CD40L. In another aspect, the kit comprises TNFα polypeptide, or an expression cassette for expressing TNFα mRNA in vivo or in vitro, and CD40L polypeptide, or an expression cassette for expressing CD40L mRNA in vivo or in vitro expression of CD40L. The kits may further comprise a RNA polymerase for in vitro transcription.

Methods to Assess Immunogenicity

The immunogenicity of the antigen presenting cells or educated T cells produced by the methods of the invention can be determined by well known methodologies including, but not limited to the following:

⁵¹Cr-release lysis assay. Lysis of peptide-pulsed ⁵¹Cr-labeled targets by antigen-specific T cells can be compared. “More active” compositions will show greater lysis of targets as a function of time. The kinetics of lysis as well as overall target lysis at a fixed time point (e.g., 4 hours) may be used to evaluate performance. Ware et al. (1983) J. Immunol. 131:1312. Cytokine-release assay. Analysis of the types and quantities of cytokines secreted by T cells upon contacting modified APCs can be a measure of functional activity. Cytokines can be measured by ELISA or ELISPOT assays to determine the rate and total amount of cytokine production. Fujihashi et al. (1993) J. Immunol. Meth. 160:181; Tanquay and Killion (1994) Lymphokine Cytokine Res. 13:259. In vitro T cell education. The compositions of the invention can be assayed for the ability to elicit reactive T cell populations from normal donor or patient-derived PBMC. In this system, elicited T cells can be tested for lytic activity, cytokine-release, polyclonality, and cross-reactivity to the antigenic epitope. Parkhurst et al. (1996) Immunol. 157:2539. Transgenic animal models. Immunogenicity can be assessed in vivo by vaccinating HLA transgenic mice with the compositions of the invention and determining the nature and magnitude of the induced immune response. Alternatively, the hu-PBL-SCID mouse model allows reconstitution of a human immune system in a mouse by adoptive transfer of human PBL. These animals may be vaccinated with the compositions and analyzed for immune response as previously mentioned in Shirai et al. (1995) J. Immunol. 154:2733; Mosier et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:2443. Proliferation Assays. T cells will proliferate in response to reactive compositions. Proliferation can be monitored quantitatively by measuring, for example, ³H-thymidine uptake. Caruso et al. (1997) Cytometry 27:71. Primate models. A non-human primate (chimpanzee) model system can be utilized to monitor in vivo immunogenicities of HLA-restricted ligands. It has been demonstrated that chimpanzees share overlapping MHC-ligand specificities with human MHC molecules thus allowing one to test HLA-restricted ligands for relative in vivo immunogenicity. Bertoni et al. (1998) Immunol. 161:4447. Monitoring TCR Signal Transduction Events. Several intracellular signal transduction events (e.g., phosphorylation) are associated with successful TCR engagement by MHC-ligand complexes. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of these events have been correlated with the relative abilities of compositions to activate effector cells through TCR engagement. Salazar et al. (2000) Tnt. J. Cancer 85:829; Isakov et al. (1995) J. Exp. Med. 181:375).

In accordance with the above description, the following examples are intended to illustrate, but not limit, the various aspects of this invention.

Experimental Examples Reagents

Histopaque 1077 and Tween 20 were purchased from Sigma (St Louis, Mo.). PBS and X-VIVO 15 were purchased from Cambrex (East Rutherford, Ni). AIM-V medium, Iscove's modified Dulbecco's medium and RPMI 1640 medium along with Trypan Blue and Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) were purchased from Invitrogen (Carlsbad, Calif.). Viaspan was purchased from Dupont Pharma Labs (Wilmington, Del.). GM-CSF, IL-4, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-γ were all purchased from R&D Systems (Minneapolis, Minn.). PGE₂ was purchased from Cayman Chemicals (Ann Arbor, Calif.). Soluble CD40L was purchased from Alexis Biochemicals (San Diego Calif.). Human AB serum was purchased from Valley Biochemical (Winchester, Va.).

Chemokines CCL19 and CCL21 were purchased from Peprotech (Rocky Hill, N.J.). Phenotyping antibodies (HLA-ABC, HLA-DR, CD80, CD86, CD83, CD14, and negative isotype controls), ELISpot antibody pairs (IFN-γ and IL-2) ELISA sets (IL-12 and IL-10) and streptavidin-HRP were all purchased from BD Pharmingen (San Diego, Calif.) along with BD Opt EIA reagent set B pH9.5. AEC peroxidase substrate was purchased from Vector labs (Vector Labs, Burlingame, Calif.). Blocking anti-CD40L antibody was purchased from eBioscience. CD1d/α-galactosylceramide (KRN7000) tetramer and native KRN7000 were kind gifts from Kirin Brewery, Pharmaceuticals Division, Tokyo, Japan. MART-1/HLA-A201 tetramers were purchased from Beckman-Coulter (Miami, Fla.)

DC Generation

Human PBMCs were isolated from Leukapheresis collections from healthy volunteers provided by Life Blood (Memphis, Tenn.). PBMCs were prepared by Ficoll-Histopaque density centrifugation and washed four times in PBS at room temperature. 2×10⁸ PBMCs were re-suspended in 30 ml AIM-V medium and allowed to adhere to 150 cm³ plastic flasks for 2 hours at 37° C. Non-adherent cells were removed and remaining cells cultured in X-VIVO 15 medium, supplemented with GM-CSF (1000 U/ml) and IL-4 (1000 U/ml), for 5-6 days at 37° C., 5% CO₂.

Cloning of CD40L

T cells were stimulated with PMA in RPMI for 1 hr. Cells were harvested and washed with PBS once. Total RNA was extracted using QIAGEN RNeasy procedure. One microgram of total RNA from activated T cells was taken into one tube RT-PCR reaction using Gene Amp Gold kit (Applied Bioscience) using a high fidelity Advantage Polymerase (Clontech). Gene specific primers for CD40L sequence correspond to bases 47 and 859 of CD40L sequence CD40L 5′ primer: 5′-GCATCATCGAAACATACAACC-3′ (SEQ ID NO. 11) and CD40 3′ primer: 5′-GTATTATGAAGACTCCCAGCG-3′ (SEQ ID NO. 12). The PCR fragment was purified and subcloned into pCR2.1 vector using T4 DNA ligase (Invitrogen). Sequence analysis of the CD40L open reading frame and alignment with a GenBank consensus sequence revealed presence of two mutations. One mutation was conservative and did not lead to amino acid change. Another nucleotide substitution resulted in an amino acid change of Asn to Ser. Site directed mutagenesis was performed to correct the non-conservative amino acid change back to asparagine. Briefly, 10-40 ng of CD40L PCR2.1 plasmid DNA was used in site directed mutagenesis using custom 5′ phosphorylated and HPLC purified primers (QIAGEN), PFU Ultra enzyme with accompanying 10×PCR buffer (Stratagene) and dNTPs (Clontech) Following the PCR reaction, Dpn I restriction enzyme (Promega) was added and incubated for 1 hour at 37° C. to digest away parental template. Five microliters of this reaction was then transformed into Oneshot MACH T1R competent cells (Invitrogen) and plated out on freshly made ampicillin containing LB plates. Six colonies were selected and grown as 3 mL cultures overnight in LB containing ampicillin. DNA was isolated using plasmid miniprep (QIAGEN). An aliquot of purified DNA for each clone was submitted to the University of North Carolina (UNC) sequencing facility for sequence analysis of the CD40L open reading frame using M13F and M13R primers (Invitrogen). All the clones were then aligned to a consensus GenBank Sequence for CD40L using DNASTAR Seqman analysis software. Clone #2 (renamed CD40L WT PCR 2.1) was selected for containing the correct mutagenized bases.

Generation of mRNAs for Transfection of DCs

CD40L WT PCR 2.1 plasmid was linearized using SpeI restriction enzyme and purified by phenol/chloroform extraction followed by ethanol precipitation. The linear template was reconstituted in water and transcribed in vitro using mMessage mMachine T7 Ultra kits (Ambion) following the manufacturer's directions. An aliquot of RNA was saved for final analysis prior to proceeding to polyadenylation reaction. Polyadenylated RNA was purified using RNeasy column (QIAGEN) following protocol for RNA cleanup. RNA was eluted in water and stored in individual size aliquots below −150° C. PolyA tail length was determined by the comparative analysis of non-polyadenylated RNA and final product using RNA Bioanalyzer 2100.

Electroporation of DCs

Prior to electroporation, DCs were harvested and washed in PBS and then re-suspended in chilled Viaspan® (Barr Laboratories) at 4×10⁷/ml in 0.5 ml or 2.5×10⁷/ml in 0.2 ml and placed on ice. DCs were mixed with mRNA (1 or 2 μg/10⁶ for mRNA encoding antigen and 4 μg/10⁶ for CD40L mRNA) and placed in a 4 mm gap electroporation cuvette and electroporated using Bio-Rad apparatus. Immediately after electroporation, DCs were washed in X-VIVO 15 medium and finally re-suspended in X-VIVO 15 supplemented with GM-CSF (800 U/ml) and IL-4 (500 U/ml) at 1×10⁶/ml and cultured for either 4 or 24 hours at 37° C. in low adherence six well plates (BD Biosciences, Franklin Lakes, N.J.). Additional maturation stimuli, described below, were also added at this point.

DC Maturation—Cytokine Cocktail Process

Immature DCs are optionally transfected with various antigen-encoding mRNAs and are then treated with a “cytokine cocktail” comprising of TNF-α (10 ng/ml), IL-1β (10 ng/ml), IL-6 (100 ng/ml) and PGE₂ (1 μg/ml) and cultured in medium containing GM-CSF and IL-4 overnight at 37° C.

DC Maturation—CD40L Base Process.

Following electroporation, DCs transfected with CD40L mRNA were treated with IFN-γ (1000 U/ml) or TNF-α (10 ng/ml) or a combination of IFN-γ and PGE₂ (1 μg/ml). By comparison, immature DCs were transfected with various antigen-encoding mRNAs and were then treated with a “cytokine cocktail” comprising of TNF-α (10 ng/ml), IL-1β (10 ng/ml), IL-6 (100 ng/ml) and PGE₂ (1 μg/ml) or soluble CD40L (200 ng/ml) plus enhancer (1 μg/ml) with either simultaneous or sequential addition of 1000 U/ml IFN-γ.

DC Maturation—PME-CD40L Process.

Immature DCs were phenotypically matured on Day 5 of culture with TNF-α (10 ng/ml), IFN-γ (1000 U/ml) and PGE₂ (1 μg/ml). On day 6, mature DCs were harvested and electroporated with antigen and CD40L mRNA as described above, and cultured in X-VIVO 15 media containing 800 U/ml GM-CSF and 500 U/ml IL-4 for 4 hrs prior to harvest, or formulation for vaccine production.

DC Maturation with the CD40L Base Process, in Combination with α-Galactosylceramide (KRN7000)

100 ng/ml of KRN7000 was pulsed onto the CD40L base process DCs immediately post electroporation in combination with 500 U/ml IFN-γ and 1 μg/ml PGE₂, for 24 hrs of culture.

Flow Cytometry Analysis of DCs

10⁶ DCs were harvested and re-suspended in chilled PBS/1% FCS. Phycoerythrin (PE) or FITC conjugated antibodies specific for MHC molecules (HLA-ABC, HLA-DR), co-stimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86), maturation markers (CD83) and monocyte markers (CD14) were mixed with 1×10⁵ DCs per well in a 96 well plates (BD Biosciences) and incubated at 4° C. for a minimum of 15 minutes. Isotype matched antibodies were used as controls. After thorough washing, fluorescence analysis was performed with a FACScalibur flow cytometer (BD Biosciences) using CellQuest software (BD Biosciences).

Intracellular expression of CD40L was determined as follows: 2×10⁵ DCs or HeLa cells were harvested at various time points post transfection with CD40L mRNA and re-suspended in 250 μL of Cytofix/Cytoperm solution (BD Biosciences) for a minimum of 10 minutes up to 2 hours at 4° C. Cells were washed twice with 2 ml staining buffer (PBS, BSA, NaN₃, and EDTA), re-suspended in 0.5 ml staining buffer and stored over night at 4° C. Cells were re-suspended in 2.0 ml Perm/Wash solution (BD Biosciences) for 15 minutes, centrifuged and re-suspended in 100 μl Perm/Wash solution. 20 μL of mouse anti-human CD40L PE and anti-human CD40 APC (BD Biosciences) or mouse IgG1 PE and IgG1 APC (BD Biosciences) was added to each DC preparation collected and permeabilized at each time point, and incubated at 4° C. for 30 minutes in the dark. Cells were washed twice with 1 ml Perm/Wash solution and re-suspended in staining buffer prior to flow cytometric analysis.

Intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) was performed as follows: 1×10⁶/ml primed CD8+ T cells, removed from co-culture on day 19 and re-stimulated in 200 μl R10 media with PME DC targets (RCC, survivin, G250, hTERT or eGFP) at 37° C.; 5% CO₂ for 1 hour prior to the addition of brefeldin A (BD GolgiPlug, Cat No. 555029) at 1 μl/ml. Cells incubated at 37° C. for a further 16 hours. Cells were washed and resuspended in 150 μl FACS buffer with 5 μl CD8 per CP-cy5.5 (BD 341051) and incubated at 4° C. After 30 minutes cells were washed twice and resuspended in 2% paraformaldehyde (PFA). Cells were subsequently washed after 10 minutes, and then permeabilized in 0.1% saponin for 10 minutes at room temperature (RT), prior to incubation with 2 μl of blocking antibody, Mouse IgG1 pure (BD 349040). After 10 minutes incubation at RT, 0.5 μl IFN-γ—APC (BD 554681), 10 μl IL-2—FITC (BD 554702) and 10 μl CD69-PE (BD 555531) antibodies were added to each sample tube. Samples were incubated for 30 minutes in the dark at RT. Cells Were resuspended in 2% PFA following a final wash in 0.1% saponin. Analysis undertaken by FACS cytometery, collecting 100,000 events.

CD40L Functional Analysis when Expressed from mRNA in HeLa Cells

HeLa cells were grown in 10% FBS/DMEM and then harvested and electroporated in 4 mm cuvettes with GFP and CD40L RNA (20 μg each/5×10⁶ cells). Post-transfection recovery was ˜70% and the cells were plated in 6 well dishes and allowed to grow overnight. Following the overnight incubation, transfected HELA cells were harvested by scraping and stained with either mouse IgG1-PE or anti-human CD40L-PE (both from BD Biosciences, San Diego, Calif.) to look for cell surface expression of CD40L. 2×10⁵ cells/tube were stained with 10 μg/ml of antibody in 1% FBS/PBS for 30 minutes at 4° C. The cells were analyzed using a FACScaliber flow cytometer and Cellquest software (BD Biosciences). To analyze the function of the HeLa expressed CD40L, 1×10⁶ immature dendritic cells were co-cultured with 1×10⁶ HeLa cells in 5% huAB serum/RPMI supplemented with 1000 U/ml of IFN-γ (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, Minn.) in 6 well dishes (2 mL total volume) overnight. A blocking CD40L monoclonal antibody (24-31 from eBioscience) was included A 10 μg/ml in matched wells to confirm that cell surface expression of the protein was required for stimulating the dendritic cells. The culture supernatant was harvested after 18-24 hours and expression of the cytokines IL-10 and IL-12 analyzed by ELISA (BD Biosciences).

Migration Assay

Chemotaxis of DCs was measured by migration through a 8 μm pore size polycarbonate filter in 24 well transwell chambers (coming Costar, Acton, Mass.). 5% human AB serum in Iscoves modified Dulbecco's medium or AIM-V medium containing 3-300 ng/ml CCL19, 5-250 ng/ml CCL21, a combination of both or medium alone was added to the lower chamber. 1-5×10⁵ DCs in 0.1 ml were added to the upper chamber and incubated for 2-3 hours at 37° C. Lower chamber harvested into 5 ml tubes (BD Biosciences) and re-suspended in 0.1 ml PBS and viable cell counts undertaken using trypan blue.

ELISpot

PVDF membrane ELISpot plates (Millipore, Ballerica, Mass.) were coated with 5 μg/mL monoclonal anti-IFN-γ or anti-IL-2 capture antibody (BD Pharmingen, San Diego, Calif.) and incubated at 4° C. for 24 hours. After incubation, plates were washed with PBS/0.05% Tween 20, and blocked with 5% human AB serum/RPMI 1640 medium for 1 hour. PBMCs, T-cells, or CD8 enriched T cells, were plated at 1×10⁵ cells/well and mRNA transfected, antigen-loaded DC targets at 1×10⁴ cells/well for a 10:1 effector:target ratio, and incubated at 37° C., 5% CO₂ for a minimum of 16 hours.

Following incubation, plates were washed 6 times, and anti-IFN-γ detection antibody (BD Pharmingen) or anti-IL-2 detection antibody (BD Pharmingen) was added to the appropriate plates at 1 μg/ml for 2 hours. After a further six washes, Streptavidin-HRP (BD Pharmingen) was added to each well for 1 hour. Finally, after another wash cycle, color development was undertaken with AEC Peroxidase Substrate for 5-15 minutes and stopped with water. The plates were left to air dry prior to analysis on CTL Immunospot Plate Reader (CTL, Cleveland, Ohio).

ELISA

The method as laid out by BD Pharmingen for IL-12 and IL-10 ELISA sets (BD Pharmingen) using BD Opt EIA reagent set B pH 9.5. Briefly, ELISA plates (BD Biosciences) were coated with anti-IL-12p70 or anti-IL-10 ELISA capture antibody in coating buffer for 24 hours at 4° C. Plates underwent blocking with 200 μl per well 10% FCS/PBS for one hour prior to the addition of standards (BD Pharmingen) and supernatant samples, in duplicate, at 100 μl per well and incubated at room temperature for 2 hours. Plates were washed and anti-cytokine detection antibody added, incubated for one hour, the plates washed and solutions replaced with 100 μl of streptavidin-HRP and further incubated for one hour at room temperature. Again plates were washed and color development substrates applied for 10-20 minutes, followed by cessation of color development with stop solution. Plate analysis undertaken using Bio-Tek instruments ELx800 plate reader with KC junior software (Winooski, Vt.). The results show the number of picograms/ml/10⁶ DCs. Because the assays were set up so that 1 ml corresponds to 10⁶ DCs, the results can also be expressed as number of picograms/10⁶ DCs. For example, 3000 pg/ml/10⁶ DCs is equivalent to 3000 pg/10⁶ DCs.

CTL Induction

Mature dendritic cells transfected with mRNAs were co-cultured with CD8 purified T-cells. All co-cultures were performed in R-10 media (10% FBS, RPMI-1640 supplemented with 10 mM HEPES pH 7.4, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, 0.1 mM non-essential amino acids, 2 mM sodium glutamate, 55 μM β-mercaptoethanol). All cell culture reagents were from Invitrogen (Carlsbad, Calif.). CD8⁺ cells were purified using the CD8⁺ T Cell Isolation kit II (Miltenyi Biotec, Auburn, Calif.) from non-adherent cells harvested from the monocyte adherence step. The CD8⁺ cells are mixed with dendritic cells prepared as described above at 10:1 CD8⁺:DC. For the first seven days the cells were cultured in media supplemented with 0.2 U/ml IL-2 (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, Minn.) and then aliquoted into 24-well tissue culture dishes at 1 ml (1×10⁶ CD8⁺ cells)/well. Following this initial seven day incubation the CD8+ cells were harvested, counted and re-cultured with fresh DC stimulators at 10:1 in media supplemented with 5 U/ml IL-2. Again the cells were cultured for one week and then restimulated with fresh DC and 20 U/ml IL-2. CTL assays were performed 3 or 7 days following the third stimulation.

CTL Assay

T2 cells (ATCC Number CRL-1992) were previously pulsed with 10 μg/ml of either the HLA-A201 restricted MART-APL peptide (LAGIGILTV; SEQ ID NO:24) or native peptide (AAGIGILTV; SEQ ID NO:25) or PSA-1 peptide (FLTPKKLQCV; SEQ ID NO:26) by overnight incubation in FBS/RPMI media, and washed prior to use as CTL targets. Dendritic cell targets were transfected with either GFP mRNA, MART-1 APL mRNA, or Flu-M1 mRNA, as described above and incubated overnight without maturation. Pulsed T2 cells were incubated with 100 μCi of Na⁵¹Cr (Perkin-Elmer Life and Analytical Sciences, Inc., Boston, Mass.) for 90 minutes at 37° C. Excess ⁵¹Cr was washed away and 5000 labeled targets incubated with various E:T ratios of CD8+ cells for 4 hours. Non-specific lysis was reduced by the addition of unpulsed T2 cells at 25,060 cells per well. Released ⁵¹Cr was measured in the supernatant by scintillation counting. Total release was calculated by addition of 1% Triton X-100 to the targets while spontaneous release was calculated by addition of media alone. Percent lysis was calculated using the formula (sample cpm released-spontaneous cpm)/(total cpm released−spontaneous cpm released).

Induction of MART-1 Specific CTLs Employing KRN7000-Pulsed CD40L Base Process Matured DC

DCs were generated as described above, employing the ‘CD40L base process’, and loaded with mRNA encoding MART-1. Post electroporation, DCs were incubated with KRN7000, IFN-γ and PGE₂. DCs and PBMCs were co-cultured at a 1:10 ratio in the presence of 20 U/ml IL-2. PBMCs were restimulated three times under the same conditions, and the frequency of CTL induction determined by staining with MART-1/A2 tetramers, and the expansion of NKT-cells enumerated using KRN7000/CD1d tetramers by FACS.

Results of Experimental Examples

Sequential Maturation with Interferon-γ and CD40L Optimizes IL-12p70 Secretion

Immature DCs were prepared by 6 day culture of adherent cells PBMCs in X-VIVO 15 media, inclusive of GM-CSF and IL-4. DCs were recovered on Day 6 and electroporated with 2 μg of eGFP encoding mRNA per million DCs, and matured for 36 hrs with “cytokine cocktail”. Alternatively, maturation was achieved by culturing the DCs in the presence of IFN-γ and soluble CD40L, applied simultaneously, or sequentially. DCs were monitored for increased expression of co-stimulatory molecules, but most importantly for the secretion of IL-12p70 versus IL-10. FIG. 1 shows that DCs matured with the cytokine cocktail secrete excess IL-10 in comparison to IL-12p70 into the culture supernatant over the 36 hr culture period. By contrast, DCs matured simultaneously with soluble CD40L and IFN-γ secrete excess IL-12p70. However, sequential application of IFN-γ for 18 hrs, followed by the addition of soluble CD40L directly to the culture, and an additional 18 hr culture period resulted in significantly enhanced levels of IL-12p70 secretion. Unexpectedly, the application of soluble CD40L, followed by IFN-γ, prevented significant secretion of IL-12p70. In conclusion, the sequential delivery of an innate stimulus to “prime” DC maturation (IFN-γ), followed by a surrogate T-helper cell signal delivered by soluble CD40L, optimizes DC maturation for IL-12p70 secretion.

Co-Culture of HeLa Cells, Transfected with mRNA Encoding CD40L, with Immature DCS Results in the Induction of DC Derived IL-12p70.

FIG. 2 shows that HeLa cells transfected with mRNA encoding CD40L results in significant cell surface expression of CD40L protein after 24 hrs of culture, as defined by an anti-CD40L antibody and flow cytometry. CD40L mRNA transfected HeLa cells were co-cultured with immature DCs, in the presence of 1000 U/ml IFN-γ. Table II shows that HeLa cells transfected with an extended poly-A tail (>100 ‘A’s) are capable of inducing significant IL-12p70 secretion when cultured with immature DCs over the 18 hr culture period. Importantly, the inclusion of a blocking anti-CD40L antibody prevents IL-12p70 secretion, and confirms the identity and functional importance of protein encoded by the transfected mRNA sequence.

TABLE II HeLa cells transfected with CD40L encoding mRNA, when co-cultured with immature DCs in the presence of IFN-γ, results in the secretion of IL-12p70. Inclusion of ‘blocking’ anti-CD40L antibody in the culture prevents the induction of IL-12p70. “Cocktail” matured Immature DCs and reactivated DCs IL-12p70 (pg/ml) IL-12p70 (pg/ml) DC's alone — 4.9 (a) HeLa/>100 polyA + 372 26.3 IFN-γ (b) HeLa/>100 polyA + — 2.5 IFN-γ + 24-31 (a) HeLa cells were transfected with 4 μg of CD40L mRNA bearing greater than 100 nucleotide poly-A tail, and incubated with DCs in the presence of IFN-γ. (b) As (a), but in the presence of blocking anti-CD40L antibody (24-31). Dendritic Cells Transfected with CD40L mRNA, and Cultured in the Presence of IFN-γ Secrete IL-12p70.

Immature DCs were harvested after 6 days in culture with GM-CSF and IL-4, and transfected with a titration of CD40L mRNA (>100-polyA), and immediately cultured in the presence of 1000 U/ml IFN-γ. FIG. 3 shows that supernatants harvested after 18 hrs of culture contain excess IL-12p70 over IL-10, and that at least 4 μg of CD40L mRNA per million DCs is required for optimal cytokine secretion. Increasing the CD40L mRNA payload above 4 μg per million DCs results in a significant reduction in DC yield post maturation (data not shown). In a parallel experiment, immature DCs were transfected with 4 μg CD40L mRNA per million cells, and a titration of IFN-γ immediately applied to the cultures. FIG. 4 shows that at least 100 U/ml of IFN-γ is required to support optimal induction of IL-12p70. FIG. 5 a shows that IL-12p70 appears at detectable levels 6 to 8 hrs post transfection and coculture with IFN-γ, with optimal accumulation in the culture supernatant being recorded between 20 and 24 hrs. By contrast, the substitution of 10 ng/ml TNF-α for IFN-γ also supports IL-12 production, but at reduced levels (FIG. 5 b). Moreover, IFN-γ results in concomitantly lower levels of IL-10 production than does TNF-α. (FIG. 5 c)

Induction of IL-12p70 by DCs Transfected with CD40L mRNA is Dependent on “Intracellular Signaling” as Opposed to Cell-Cell Interactions.

FIG. 2 demonstrates that CD40L protein translated from mRNA can be expressed on the cell surface of the transfected cells, and that the protein retains the ability to appropriately signal DCs for IL-12p70 secretion as a consequence of its interaction with its counterpart on DCs, namely CD40. To determine the cellular distribution of CD40L in transfected DCs, and to confirm its functional identity, DCs were harvested at various time points post transfection, the presence of CD40L on the cell surface, or intracellular compartments was determined. FIGS. 6 a and 6 b show that the majority of CD40L is localized within an intracellular compartment, and that significant protein expression (27% DCs CD40L positive) was not apparent until 60 minutes post transfection. Thus, although IFN-γ is applied immediately post transfection, the delivery of the maturation events is sequential, with the IFN-γ signal preceding that of CD40L. As shown in FIG. 1, sequential maturation of DCs with IFN-γ and CD40L optimizes for IL-12p70 secretion. In addition, FIG. 7 shows that CD40L transfected and IFN-γ treated DCs, when cultured in the presence of excess blocking anti-CD40L antibody for 18 hrs post transfection, still secrete significant levels of IL-12p70. This data shows that CD40L/CD40 interactions, which are required for IL-12p70 production in this system, can take place within the intracellular compartment.

Frequency of CD40L Positive Cells Over Time

Immature DCs were transfected with 4 μg CD40L mRNA per 10⁶ DC, and co-matured with 1000 U/ml IFN-γ. Alternatively, and by way of negative control for CD40L staining, immature DCs were matured with ‘cytokine cocktail’. Maximum frequency of expression is achieved around 3 to 4 hrs post transfection with CD40L RNA (see FIG. 6 b), although 80% of DCs express CD40L when the cells are fixed and permeabilized, cell surface staining only detects approximately 15% of the DCs (FIG. 6 c). This data shows that the bulk of the CD40L protein is retained within the DC, and is not expressed at the cell surface. CD40L protein is transiently expressed, with the majority of DCs becoming CD40L negative 26 hrs post transfection. The expression of CD40, the cognate receptor molecule for CD40L, is not altered by transfection of DCs with mRNA encoding CD40L, when compared to DCs receiving ‘cytokine cocktail’ only.

PGE₂ is Required to Induce DC Migration on Maturation with CD40L and IFN-γ

In addition to the capacity to secrete IL-12p70 and exhibit a mature phenotype, typically defined as cells expressing elevated levels of co-stimulatory molecules such as CD80, CD83 and CD86 (see Table III), DCs must display the capacity to migrate, if they are going to be capable of homing to a lymph node in vivo. Several studies have shown that PGE₂ primes mature DCs for migration (Luft et al. (2002) Blood 100: 1362, Scandella et al. (2002) Blood 100: 1354). FIG. 8 shows that the inclusion of 1 μg/ml PGE₂, in addition to IFN-γ, enables the maturing DCs to migrate, and that the acquisition of this migratory potential is proportional to the CD40L mRNA payload. Thus, CD40L contributes to not only the maturing DC phenotype, and dominant IL-12p70 profile (see Table II), but also to priming for migration. By contrast, DCs matured by transfection with CD40L mRNA and cultured in the presence of IFN-γ, but in the absence of PGE₂, fail to migrate (data not shown), despite displaying significant cell surface expression of the chemokine receptor, CCR7.

TABLE III Phenotypic analysis and secreted cytokine profile of DCs undergoing maturation induced by either ‘Cytokine Cocktail’, or CD40L plus IFN-γ and PGE₂ (a) Flu/eGFP (b) Mart-APL (d) Mart- mRNA mRNA (c) Flu/CD40L APL/CD40L Immature Cytokine Cytokine mRNA mRNA DC markers DC Cocktail Cocktail IFN-g/PGE₂ IFN-g/PGE₂ HLA-ABC 99.7% 98.6% 99.5% 99.9% 99.9% HLA-DR 95.0% 99.6% 99.7% 99.8% 99.5% CD83 23.2% 98.3% 99.2% 99.6% 99.3% CD14 0.3% 1.7% 2.9% 3.2% 4.9% CD56 2.8% 3.3% 3.2% 2.8% 2.1% CD19 1.8% 1.1% 2.1% 3.2% 3.2% CD3 2.8% 2.4% 3.1% 2.8% 3.1% CD86 59.3% 99.7% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% CD80 28.8% 99.0% 99.5% 99.2% 99.5% CD1a 51.6% 49.1% 52.2% 48.6% 49.9% CD209 95.8% 95.5% 96.1% 96.4% 95.9% CCR7 3.2% 47.4% 35.5% 35.4% 36.2% (e) IL-12 N/A 27.5 59.0 1456.3 1350.0 (pg/ml) (f) IL-10 N/A 948.8 810.0 187.7 165.5 (pg/ml)

DCs were prepared from adherent monocytes and cultured for 6 days in GM-CSF/IL-4. On harvesting, DCs were transfected with various mRNA payloads and subjected to maturation for a further 24 hrs. DCs were again harvested, and the cells stained for various cell surface markers, particularly those associated with increased function, namely co-stimulation and migration. Supernatants from the maturation cultures were collected and subjected to IL-12p70 and IL-10 cytokine analysis.

(a) DCs were transfected with 2 μg per million cells with flu mRNA as antigen-encoding payload, in addition to 4 μg per million cells eGFP mRNA. eGFP mRNA allows for confirmation of transfection by FACS, and to act as a substitute control for the 4 ug per million cells CD40L mRNA maturation payload, in the alternate process. These flu/eGFP transfected DCs were matured in the presence of the “cytokine cocktail”. (b) DCs were transfected with 2 μg per million cells with MART-APL mRNA as antigen-encoding payload, and subjected to maturation with the “cytokine cocktail”. (c) DCs were transfected with 2 μg per million cells with flu mRNA as antigen-encoding payload, concomitant with 4 μg per million cells CD40L mRNA as the maturation payload. These cells were immediately placed in culture with IFN-γ and PGE₂ as described in materials and methods. (d) DCs were transfected with 2 μg per million cells with MART-APL as antigen-encoding payload, concomitant with 4 μg per million cells CD40L mRNA as the maturation payload. These cells were immediately placed in culture with IFN-γ and PGE₂ as described in materials and methods. (e) IL-12p70 secretion from DCs undergoing maturation. (f) IL-10 secretion from DCs undergoing maturation. DCs Sequentially Matured Via Transfection with CD40L mRNA and IFN-γ/PGE₂ Invoke Potent T-Cell Recall Responses.

To determine the “immunopotency” of DCs matured via CD40L mRNA transfection and IFN-γ/PGE₂, DCs were co-transfected with 2 μg mRNA encoding flu matrix protein per million DCs in addition to the CD40L mRNA and IFN-γ/PGE₂ culture environment. 18 hrs post transfection, DCs were harvested, washed, and co-cultured with autologous T-cells in IFN-γ ELISpot assays. FIG. 9 shows that DCs matured via CD40L/IFN-γ/PGE₂ display increased immunopotency, compared to DCs transfected with flu mRNA and matured with ‘cytokine cocktail’, as defined by the frequency of flu-specific IFN-γ spots in the assay.

DCs Sequentially Matured Via Transfection with CD40L mRNA and IFN-γ/PGE₂ Invoke Primary Responses.

Recall responses, such as that described in FIG. 9, are less dependent on the presence of DCs expressing optimized co-stimulatory molecules and supporting cytokine environments. Therefore, DCs were tested for their ability to invoke primary immune responses to the melanoma associate antigen, MART-1, to which many healthy donors maintain a high naive T-cell precursor frequency. As HLA-A201 donors were preferentially used, DCs were transfected with an mRNA encoding MART-1 in which the A2 restricted determinant was optimized by mutation of the mRNA sequence by site directed mutagenesis, such that the alanine at position 27 was substituted by leucine, and here referred to as MART-APL (Valmori, D et al (1998) J. Immunol. 160:1750). DCs co-transfected with 2 μg MART-APL mRNA with 4 μg CD40L mRNA and immediately pulsed with IFN-γ/PGE₂ for 18 hrs were compared to DCs loaded solely with MART-APL, and matured overnight with the “cytokine cocktail”. Antigen-loaded and matured DCs were added to purified autologous CD8⁺ T-cells, and cultured for 7 days in the presence of 0.2 U/ml human IL-2. After this period, T-cells were recovered and co-cultured with a second round of antigen-loaded DC stimulators as appropriate in an IL-2 ELISpot assay. FIG. 10 shows that CD8+ T-cells cultured in the presence of DCs matured via CD40L and IFN-γ/PGE₂ results in a highly significant increase in T-cells capable of IL-2 secretion in a specific response to the optimized MART-APL epitope originally encoded within the MART-APL mRNA sequence. In conclusion, DCs exposed to sequential maturation via IFN-γ/PGE₂ and CD40L are significantly more potent at raising primary immune responses than DCs matured with the currently accepted standard “cytokine cocktail”. Moreover, FIG. 11 shows that CTLs generated with MART-APL loaded DCs matured with the ‘cytokine cocktail’ fail to mediate CD4-independent CD8-mediated cytotoxicity against T2 cells pulsed with the appropriate HLA-A2 restricted MART-APL peptide (FIG. 11 b). By contrast, CTLs generated on CD40L/IFN-γ/PGE₂ matured DCs are fully active, and kill the MART-APL peptide pulsed T2 targets (FIG. 11 a).

Phenotypic Analysis of Immature DCs Maturing Under the PME-CD40L Process

DCs were matured on Day 5 with the PME-CD40L process described herein. Specifically monocytes were cultured in medium GM-CSF and IL-4 for 5 days to produce immature CD83⁻ DCs. On day 5, the immature DCs were fed with medium containing TNFα, IFNγ and PGE₂ (TIP). On day 6, the post TIP phenotype was determined (see Table IV). As shown in Table IV, the majority of cells were positive for CD80, CD83, CD86 and CD209. These DCs were also CCR7 negative (data not shown). The low percentage of CD14⁺ cells represent monocytes that did not differentiate into dendritic cells. On day 6, the CD83⁺ CCR7⁻ DCs were co-transfected (via electroporation) with 1 μg mRNA prepared from amplified renal cell carcinoma RNA and 4 μg CD40L mRNA per million cells. CD40L expression was measured at 4 hours post transfection. The cells were cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen at 4 hrs post transfection. The post thaw recovery and viability were measured immediately after thawing, and at 24 hours post thawing. As can be seen, at 24 hours post thaw, the majority of DCs became CCR7+. The CCR7+ DCs were also positive for CD80, CD83 and CD86. The results of 3 separate runs are shown in Table IV.

TABLE IV Run data Run 1 Run 2 Run 3 Seeding density per flask 200 × 10⁶ 200 × 10⁶ 200 × 10⁶ Number of flasks seeded 18 20 20 Post TIP Recovery (%) 8 24 15 Post TIP Viability (%) 97 95 93 Number of cuvettes 14 15 (limited) 15 (limited) 4 hr post electroporation Recovery 64 43 73 (%) 4 hr post electroporation Viability 91 89 85 (%) Number of vaccine doses from Run 13 9 15 Post thaw Recovery (%) 86 94 85 Post thaw Viability (%) 88 88 78 Predicted doses per 30 flasks 21 28 30 4 hr CD40L expression 84 76 49 Post TIP DC phenotype % CD14 0.8 0.5 12 % CD80 100 100 98 % CD83 99 92 82 % CD86 100 100 100 % CD209 98 99 100 mDC phenotype (post thaw) % CD14 3 0.3 1.4 % CD80 99 100 100 % CD83 100 100 98 % CD86 100 100 100 % CD209 98 100 100 % CCR7 53 12 32 24 hr post thaw % CCR7 93 93 95 24 hr post thaw ‘washout’ % viability 50 67 63 % recovery 36 46 73 24 hr post thaw transwell migration % Migration - media control 1.1 0.78 1.2 % Migration - 100 ng/ml CCL19 74 107 70 and 21

DCs Matured Via the PME-CD40L Process are Highly Migratory in Response to Lymph Node Homing Chemokines, CCL19 and 21

PME-CD40L matured DCs were assayed for migration in response to chemokines, CCL19 and 21, twenty-four hours after co-transfection with total amplified RCC RNA and CD40L RNA. FIG. 12 shows that using four independent donors, that PME-CD40L matured DCs are highly migratory, consistent with the very high level of CCR7 expression achieved 24 hrs post electroporation with the PME-CD40L process (see Table IV).

DCs Matured Via the PME-CD40L Process Show Significantly Enhanced Immunopotency Over DCs Matured with the ‘CD40L Base Process’.

Despite the induction of primary immune responses by the ‘CD40L base process’, the ‘post maturation electroporation-CD40L’ process, whereby DCs are first matured with TNF-α, IFN-γ and PGE₂, prior to electroporation with CD40L plus antigen-encoding mRNA, results in a significant improvement in CTL activity using the MART antigen model system. (FIG. 13). In addition, the PME-CD40L process was tested for the induction of IFN-γ and IL-2 responses using fully autologous materials derived from a renal cell carcinoma patient: patient DCs were prepared as described above for the PME-CD40L process, and electroporated with autologous total amplified RCC tumor RNA. The antigen loaded DCs were cultured with autologous patient CD8 T-cells, and the resulting responder CTL were studied by intracellular cytokine staining in response to the eliciting DC, and to individual DCs transfected with the tumor-associated antigens, hTERT, Survivin and the RCC specific antigen, G250. DCs transfected with eGFP encoding mRNA were used as negative control stimulators. FIG. 14 shows that patient T-cells responded to the total amplified RCC RNA loaded DCs, and also to the three tumor-associated antigens, with both IFN-γ and IL-2 frequencies higher than that induced by the eGFP mRNA transfected negative control. (Response to eGFP subtracted from total response to each RCC associated DC target)

DCs Matured by the ‘Base CD40L Process’ and Pulsed with KRN7000 can Recruit NKT-Cells which Enhance the Induction of Primary CTLs.

MART-1 mRNA-loaded, CD40L base process matured DC, pulsed with KRN7000, increase the frequency of NKT-cells in PBMC cultures versus the same mature RNA loaded DCs pulsed with vehicle in place of KRN7000, as defined by CD1d/KRN7000-tetramer staining (FIG. 15 a). Using tetramer analysis for responder CTL (MART-1/HLA-A2), the presence of KRN7000 pulsed onto MART-1 mRNA transfected DC significantly increases the frequency of MART reactive T-cells (FIG. 15 b). Thus, the expansion of NKT-cells in the PBMC cultures provides an amplification loop, probably achieved by NKT-cell derived ‘help’, that can support primary CD8 CTL development.

Optimization of CD40L mRNA

The CD40L RNA used in the original DC experiments demonstrating a preferred way of maturation was transcribed from plasmid template pCR2.1 CD40L WT. The preferred CD40L RNA contains an ARCA cap analog and polyA tail. The plasmid pCR2.1 CD40L WT was modified by removal of an XbaI-EcoRV fragment located 5′ of the initiator ATG codon. The fragment encompassed 32 nucleotides of vector sequence and contained three cryptic potential initiator ATG codons. The rationale for this modification was that these additional ATGs might interfere with efficient initiation of CD40L translation by competing with the accurate CD40L translation initiation site. The coding sequence of CD40L remained unaffected by these modifications. CD40L RNA transcribed from the modified plasmid template performed better than the current CD40L reference standard (pCR2.1 CD40L WT) in two independent DC transfection experiments as measured by induction of IL-12 expression. The modified plasmid is referred to as pCR2.1 CD40L WT Delta X-E.

In addition we wished to determine whether expression of the CD40L RNA can be further optimized by placing the CD40L 5′ untranslated region directly upstream of the CD40L initiator codon. The pCR2.1 CD40L WT Delta X-E plasmid was further modified by the insertion of 39 by CD40L 5′ untranslated sequence located immediately upstream of the CD40L translation start site, resulting in the construct pCR2.1 CD40L+5′ UTR. RNA transcribed from this plasmid (pCR2.1 CD40L+5′UTR) did not perform as well as the RNA described from CD40L WT Delta X-E but rather, performed similarly to the current CD40L transcribed from pCR2.1 CD40L WT (FIGS. 18 and 19). The DNA sequence corresponding to the CD40L RNA transcribed from the pCR2.1 CD40L WT Delta X-E plasmid is shown in SEQ ID NO:13. The ATG start codon begins at position 41 of SEQ ID NO:13.

Short Isoform of CD40L Protein

One microgram of each of the CD40L RNAs described below was translated in vitro using Wheat Germ extract (Promega) in the presence of tracer ³⁵S-labeled Methionine. 5 μL of each translation mixture was resolved by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and transferred to a nylon membrane. The membrane was exposed to a Phosphoimager screen and scanned using the Storm Imager (Amersham). The results are shown in FIG. 20. Lanes 1 and 2 represent the in vitro translated products from the pCR2.1 CD40L WT mRNA (WT), uncapped, and capped, respectively. Lanes 3 and 4-5 represent the in vitro translated products from the pCR2.1 CD40L WT Delta X-E mRNA (ΔXE), uncapped, and capped, respectively. Lane 6 represents the in vitro translated product of the capped pCR2.1 CD40L+5′UTR mRNA. Examination of the radiolabeled translation products reveals that some RNAs give rise to two major proteins. Sequence analysis of the CD40L coding region reveals that more than one in-frame methionine residue within the coding region can give rise to a partial CD40L protein sequence (see SEQ ID NO:2). Since the truncated protein will be in frame it will still stain positive with anti-CD154 antibodies. Analysis of the in vitro translated product from the construct containing the naturally occurring CD40L 5′UTR (pCR2.1 CD40L+5′UTR) encodes only one CD40L protein (FIG. 20). However this +5′UTR CD40L construct also exhibits the lowest IL-12 potentiation (FIG. 19). In contrast, both the WT and Delta XE constructs appear to produce a shorter protein product in approximately equal proportion with the full length product and exhibit the highest IL-12 inducing capacity.

We hypothesized that the lower molecular weight protein product initiates from an internal methionine and could be a more active form of CD40L for induction of IL-12 cytokine. This hypothesis was tested in the next set of experiments by removing the most amino-terminal methionine codon by site directed mutagenesis of the ATG start codon to GCG, so that translation would begin at the second internal methionine of the wild type CD40L protein. This construct was called pCD40L ΔXE-MET1 (CD40L ΔXE minus the first methionine initiation codon). The mRNA transcribed from this plasmid is shown in SEQ ID NO:30. SEQ ID NO:30 encodes the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:31, which is equivalent to amino acid residues 21-261 of SEQ ID NO:2. In addition, we tested another construct where translation initiation from the first initiator methionine is enhanced by optimizing the ATG codon with a consensus Kozak sequence. Both modifications were made in the Delta XE plasmid background as this plasmid template consistently encodes a more active CD40L RNA than does the WT plasmid. A new lot of unmodified Delta XE RNA was made for use in this assay as a control. The RNAs from these constructs were produced, polyadenylated and purified. The RNAs were translated in vitro in the presence of ³⁵S-labeled methionine and analyzed by SDS-PAGE. As shown in FIG. 21, we confirmed the original observation that two isoforms of CD40L protein are made from the WT and Delta XE CD40L RNAs. The CD40L WT RNA produces two isoforms with the lower isoform slightly exceeding 50% of the total protein produced (FIG. 21, lane 1). Delta XE (second lot of RNA) encodes the shorter form in a slightly higher ratio, while the CD40L RNA with the naturally occurring 5′UTR gives rise to predominantly longer form (FIG. 21, lanes 2 and 5). As predicted, the new RNA with an optimized Kozak sequence surrounding the first ATG gave rise to predominantly longer form (75% of total) (FIG. 21, lane 4). Most importantly, the CD40L RNA lacking the first methionine resulted in exclusively the short form of the protein (FIG. 21, lane 6). No difference was noticed in protein produced from RNA capped co-transcriptionally (FIG. 21, lane 2) versus RNA capped post-transcriptionally using capping enzyme (ΔXE (enz), FIG. 21, lane 3).

We next evaluated the amount of CD40L (CD154) protein produced from each construct in transfected DCs. The percentage of CD40L-positive cells (FIG. 22, left panel) is roughly equivalent in all conditions tested, indicating that transfection efficiency for each RNA is similar. The mean fluorescent intensity (FIG. 22, right panel) is proportional to the amount of CD40L protein produced in the cell. The ΔXE RNA in this assay appears to perform better than the wild type control, as we have consistently observed. The Delta ΔXE+Kozak RNA which, encodes predominantly the larger CD40L isoform surprisingly produced the lowest amount of CD40L protein, while the ΔXE-Met1 RNA, which encodes exclusively the shorter isoform in vitro, produces the highest CD40L protein levels in transfected DCs.

The levels of CD40L protein expression as well as relative ratio of long/short CD40L protein isoform were measured in order to determine whether there was a correlation with IL-12 secretion levels. FIG. 23 shows that the levels of IL-12 expression in this assay correlated with mean fluorescent intensity of cells stained with anti-CD154 antibodies. A closer look at the same data is presented in a FIG. 24. The absolute amounts of IL-12 expression in the DC transfection assay are proportional to the amount of the short CD40L protein isoform produced in the in vitro translation assay. The addition of the 3′UTR of rotavirus gene 6 to the ΔXE construct (to produce the Rot6 3′UTR ΔXE plasmid) resulted in IL-10 and IL-12 expression levels similar to those observed for ΔXE-Met1 (FIG. 25). The sequence of the mRNA transcribed from the Rot6 3′UTR ΔXE plasmid is shown in SEQ ID NO:32. The cDNA encoding the RNA transcribed from the ΔXE-MET1 Rotavirus gene 6 3′UTR construct is shown in SEQ ID NO:33.

It was assumed that translation of the ΔXE-MET1 RNA initiated at the second ATG codon of the CD40L CDS, to produce an N-terminal CD40L truncated protein beginning at the second internal methionine of the CD40L (i.e., amino acid residue 21 of SEQ ID NO:2). In order to confirm this assumption, the ΔXE construct was subjected to site directed mutagenesis to alter either the first two methionine codons (ΔXE-MET1,2), the first three methionine codons (ΔXE-MET1-3); or the first four methionine codons (ΔXE-MET1-4). The in vitro translation products produced by these construct are shown in FIG. 26. Secretion levels of IL-10 and IL-12 by dendritic cells transfected with these modified CD40L RNAs are shown in FIG. 27. Deletion of the first methionine in the ΔXE-MET1 construct results in high IL-12 secretion from DCs transfected with this RNA, while deletion of the first 2, 3 or 4 methionines results in no IL-12 production. Therefore, transfection of DCs with an RNA encoding the CD40L polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:31 results in high levels of IL-12 expression. In contrast, CD40L polypeptides initiating at the 3^(rd), 4^(th) or 5^(th) internal ATG codon are not able to induce IL-12 secretion when they are expressed in DCs.

IL-10 and IL-12 Expression at 4 and 24 Hours Post-Transfection in DCs Matured by the PME-CD40L Process.

Immature DCs were phenotypically matured on Day 5 of culture with TNF-α (10 ng/ml), IFN-γ (1000 U/ml) and PGE₂ (1 μg/ml). On day 6, DCs were harvested and electroporated with antigen and CD40L mRNA as described above, and cultured in X-VIVO 15 media containing 800 U/ml GM-CSF and 500 U/ml IL-4 for 4 hours or 24 hours. Table V shows that supernatants harvested 4 hours post-transfection (vaccine) produce little or no IL-12p70 or IL-10, while the levels increase at 24 hours post-transfection.

TABLE V Cytokine secretion from PME-CD40L DCs IL-10 IL-12 pg/ml (s.d.) pg/ml (s.d.)  4 hours 0 (0)   17 (15.4) 24 hours 83.3 (26.3) 254.7 (21.8) n = 3 DCs Matured Via the PME-CD40L Process Secret Lower Levels of IL-12p70 Compared to DCs Matured with the ‘CD40L Base Process’.

To compare IL-10 and IL-12 secretion levels, DCs were prepared using the standard CD40L base process or PME-CD40L process, and secreted cytokines in the culture medium were measured at 18-24 hours following electroporation. The results are shown in Table VI. In comparison to the ‘CD40L base process’, the ‘post maturation electroporation-CD40L’ process (i.e., whereby DCs are first matured with TNF-α, IFN-γ and PGE₂, prior to electroporation with CD40L plus antigen-encoding mRNA) results in lower levels of IL-12p70, while the levels of IL-10 are similar. However, DCs matured by either the CD40L base process, or the PME-CD40L process secrete lower levels of IL-10 and higher levels of IL-12 as compared to DCs matured by the cytokine cocktail process (IL-6, TNFα and PGE₂).

TABLE VI Cytokine secretion from PME-CD40L DCs DC maturation IL-10 IL-12 process pg/ml (s.d.) pg/ml (s.d.) CD40L base process  89 (51) 1218 (86) PME-CD40L process 125 (64)  602 (53)

Cell Surface Staining and Measurement of Intracellular Cytokine Production

DCs were generated as described above, employing the PME-CD40L process, or DC electroporated with CD40L RNA and MART-1 RNA and cultured for 4 hours with IFN-γ and PGE₂ or DC matured with TNFα, IFNγ, PGE₂ (TIP) cytokines overnight then electroporated with Mart-1 RNA and cultured for 4 hours or immature DC electroporated with MART-1 RNA and co-cultured with cytokine cocktail (IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, IFNγ, PGE₂) for 4 hours. DC and CD8 T cells were co-cultured as described for “CTL induction”. On the indicated day CTL were harvested and stimulated with T2 cells previously pulsed with 10 μg/ml of either the HLA-A201 restricted MART-APL peptide (LAGIGILTV; SEQ ID NO:24) or PSA-1 peptide (FLTPKKLQCV; SEQ ID NO:26) by 1 hour incubation in FBS/RPMI media, washed and CTL were stimulated at a 10:1 ratio with T2 cells. At the 1 hour time point brefeldin A was added and cultures were allowed to incubate for an additional 3 hours. CTL were then surfaced stained with antibodies to CD8 receptor and MART-1/A2 pentamers to detect the frequency of antigen specific CTL. CTL were then permeablized with Saponin buffer to detect intracellular production of IL-2 and IFN-γ using cytokine specific antibodies. In some cases CTL were harvested from co-cultures and surfaced stained with monoclonal antibodies to the CD8 receptor, CD28 receptor, CD45RA molecule and MART-1/A2 pentamers.

DCS Matured Via the PME-CD40L Process Shown Significantly Enhanced Immunopotency Over DCs Matured with the ‘CD40L Base Process’ and Other Processes of Inducing Maturation of DCs

FIG. 28 shows the increased percentage of Mart-1 reactive CTL on day 25 in co-cultures with DC generated with the PME-CD40L process compared to other methods of generating DC such as DC electroporated with CD40L RNA and Mart-1 RNA and cultured for 4 hours with IFN-γ and PGE₂ (CD40L) or DC matured with cytokines (TNFα, IFN-γ and PGE₂) overnight then electroporated with Mart-1 RNA and cultured for 4 hours (TIP) or immature DC electroporated with MART-1 RNA and co-cultured with cytokine cocktail (IL-6, IL-1β, TNFα, IFNγ, PGE₂) for 4 hours (Cytokines). MART-1 specific CTL were identified by co-staining with MART-1/HLA-A2 pentamers and anti-CD8 receptor antibodies. FIG. 28 (bottom panels) and FIG. 29 show that the majority of MART-1 CTL generated in the presence of PME-CD40L DC express the CD28 receptor in contrast to CTL generated in the presence of other DC preparations.

The time course of CD28 receptor expression depicted in FIG. 29 shows that as early as day 14 during the co-culture period, 89% of MART-1 CTL from PME-CD40L DC co-cultures express the CD28 receptor. Moreover CTL maintain CD28 receptor expression throughout the co-culture period. This is in contrast to both the TIP DC and cytokine DC co-cultures where CD28 expression declines over time. CD28 receptor positive cells are considered antigen experienced MART-1 CTL based on the lack of specific staining with antibody to the CD45RA molecule.

FIG. 30 shows that PME-CD40L were able to induce the greatest number of CTL producing IFN-γ^(HI)/IL-2^(HI) (60%) compare to the other DC processes TIP (6.5%), CD40L (50%), and Cytokines^(I) (14%) on day 10 of culture.

FIG. 31 shows the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of IFN-γ positive CTL as a measure of the overall level of cytokine being produced by Mart-1CTL. The highest level of IFN-γ production is seen in Mart-1 CTL PME-CD40L DC co-cultures.

DCs Matured by the PME-CD40L Process Preferentially Induce a Population of Antigen-Specific Effector/Memory CTL

Despite the induction of primary immune responses by the ‘CD40L base process’, the ‘PME-CD40L’ process, whereby DCs are first matured with TNF-α, IFN-γ and PGE₂, prior to electroporation with CD40L plus antigen-encoding mRNA, results in a significant improvement in CTL activity using the MART antigen model system. (FIG. 13). Further analysis of these antigen reactive CTL revealed that DC matured via the PME-CD40L process induces a greater number of MART-1 reactive CTL than DC matured using other methods as described in FIG. 28. Furthermore the antigen experienced MART-1 reactive CTL continue to maintain expression of the CD28 receptor in contrast to MART-1 CTL assayed from the other DC co-cultures (FIGS. 28 and 29). These cells are defined as antigen experienced CTL by the lack of the CD45RA molecule expression (Tomiyama et al. J. Immunol. (2002) 168:5538-5550), but are not considered terminally differentiated effector CTL based on the expression of CD28 receptor and their increased numbers present in PME-CD40L DC co-cultures. These CTL differ from other effector/memory CTL that have been reported in the literature where viral specific CTL are CD28 negative and proliferate poorly (Weekes et al. J. Immunol. (1999) 162:7569-7577). PME-CD40L DC induce a novel population of antigen specific CTL that retain the capacity to proliferate in the presence of antigen. Therefore these CTL differ from the type of CTL generated with other methods of generating DC. This is the first report of a dendritic cell that preferentially induces a population of CD28⁺ CD45RA⁻ memory/effector T cells from a population of naïve T cells or antigen-specific T cells.

During chronic antigen stimulation similar to what is seen in certain viral infections such as CMV (Topp et al. J Exp Med (2003) 198:947-955) and HIV (Lieberman et al. 2001 Blood 98:1667-1677) there is a loss of expression of CD28 and a loss of the ability to produce IL-2. FIG. 30 shows that PME-CD40L generated DC in contrast to other methods of generating mature DC are capable of priming MART-1 specific CTL that retain the capacity to produce both IL-2 and IFN-γ. Where the PME-CD40L DC were able to induce the highest percentage of IFN-g/IL-2 double positive CTL (60%) compare to the other DC processes TIP (6.5%), CD40L (50%), and Cytokines (14%). It has been reported that loss of CD28 receptor on HIV specific CTL parallels progressive HIV viral replication (Gamberg et al. Immunology and Cell Biology (2004) 82:38-46). Whereas HIV specific CTL that produce IFNg/IL-2 are able to support the proliferation of HIV specific CTL (Zimmerli et al. PNAS (2005) 102:7239-7244). While these IFNg/IL-2 producing CTL have a CD45RA negative effector phenotype they were not characterized using the CD28 receptor. Topp et al. (J Exp Med (2003) 198:947-955) showed that by re-introducing the CD28 receptor into a CD28 negative CMV or HIV specific CTL could restore IL-2 production and sustain CTL proliferation. The PME-CD40L process of generating DC unlike other methods of generating DC are capable of inducing antigen specific CTL that are CD28 positive and retain the capacity to produce high levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ. Thus the PME-CD40L process of generating DC is capable of supporting long term antigen specific CTL effector function and inducing a preferred phenotype of effector memory CTL that retains the capacity to expand, produce cytokines and kill target cells all critical events mediating robust long-term CTL effector function.

Large Scale Preparation of CD40L MET1 In Vitro Transcribed (IVT), Post-Transcriptionally Capped and Polyadenylated mRNA

In order to produce a plasmid template for the production of truncated CD40L in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA on a large scale, the full sequence of pCD40L ΔXE-MET1 was chemically synthesized. This synthetic construct was named pARG CD40L. The sequence of pARG CD40L is shown in SEQ ID NO:34. The IVT CD40L-MET1 transcript (prior to polyadenylation) corresponds to nucleotide residues 3566-4480 of SEQ ID NO:34. The first methionine codon of CD40L-MET1 corresponds to nucleotide residues 3666-3668 of SEQ ID NO:34. The CD40L-MET1 protein translated from this IVT mRNA corresponds to SEQ ID NO:31.

In a first step, pARG CD40L was linearized to produce an optimal template for in vitro transcription. Briefly, 2.5 mg of pARG CD40L was linearized by digestion in a total volume of 12.5 ml with Spe I Restriction Enzyme (BSA Free) at 37° C. in a Precision Reciprocal Shaking Water Bath set at a speed of 60 rpm. The linearized plasmid was then purified using Qiagen RNeasy™ Maxi Spin columns. Specifically, 62.5 ml of Qiagen Buffer PB was added to the linearized plasmid. 7.5 ml of the linearized plasmid in Buffer PB was added to each of 10 Qiagen RNeasy™ Maxi Spin columns. The columns were centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 3 minutes at 25° C. in a SORVALL® RT7 centrifuge equipped with a swinging bucket rotor and 50 ml tube adaptors. The flow-through was discarded and the columns were washed with 7.5 ml per column of Qiagen Buffer PB, centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 3 minutes at 25° C., and then washed with 10 ml of Buffer PE with Ethanol (48 ml Buffer PE mixed with 192 ml of Nuclease-free 100% Ethanol) and centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 3 minutes at 25° C. and then at 4000 rpm for 10 minutes at 25° C. The linearized pARG CD40L was eluted by adding 0.8 mL nuclease-free water to each column, incubating at 30° C. in a dry incubator for 5-7 minutes, and then collecting the eluate by centrifugation at 4000 rpm for 10 minutes at 25° C. The linearized pARG CD40L was aliquoted and stored at −85±10° C.

In a second step, CD40L MET1 RNA was transcribed in vitro from linearized pARG CD40L using reagents from an Epicentre Biotechnologies AmpliScribe™ T7-Flash™ Transcription Kit. Briefly, 1000 μg linearized pARG CD40L in 6.8 mL nuclease-free water was mixed with 2 mL T7 10× Reaction Buffer, 1.8 mL 100 mM ATP, 1.8 mL 100 mM CTP, 1.8 mL 100 mM GTP, 1.8 mL 100 mM UTP and 2 mL 100 mM DTT, and then prewarmed in a 37±1° C. shaking water bath for 10 minutes prior to adding 2 mL of AmpliScribe™ T7-Flash™ T7 Enzyme Solution. This reaction mixture was incubated in a 37±1° C. shaking water bath at 60 rpm for 60 minutes. The pARG CD40L DNA was then digested from the IVT RNA preparation by adding 1 mL of 1 mg/mL Pulmozyme Enzyme® (dornase alpha; Genentech, Inc.) and continued incubation in a 37±1° C. shaking water bath at 60 rpm for 30-35 minutes. Sixty mL nuclease-free water was added to the digest, which was then transferred to a 1000 mL bottle containing 300 mL RLT Buffer (Qiagen) and 3 mL 2-mercaptoethanol. The contents were mixed by swirling and then 220 mL nuclease-free 100% ethanol was added and mixed by swirling. Fifteen mL of this CD40L MET1 IVT RNA solution was loaded onto each of twenty Qiagen RNeasy Maxi Columns. The columns were centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 3 minutes at 25° C. in a SORVALL® RT7 centrifuge equipped with a swinging bucket rotor and 50 ml tube adaptors. The flow-through was discarded and 12 mL of the remaining IVT RNA was loaded onto each of the 20 columns. The columns were centrifuged again at 4000 rpm for 3 minutes at 25° C. and the flow-through was discarded. The columns were washed two times with 10 ml per column of Qiagen RPE Buffer with Ethanol (85 mL Qiagen RPE Buffer and 340 mL of 100% nuclease-free ethanol), and centrifuged one time at 4000 rpm for 3 minutes at 25° C. after the first wash and two times after the second wash. The IVT RNA was eluted by adding 1.5 mL nuclease-free water to each column, incubating at 30±1° C. in a dry incubator for 8-10 minutes, and then collecting the eluate by centrifugation at 4000 rpm for 3 minutes at 25° C. IVT RNA was eluted a second time by adding 1.5 mL nuclease-free water to each column, incubating at 30±1° C. in a dry incubator for 8-10 minutes, and then collecting the eluate by centrifugation at 4000 rpm for 3 minutes at 25° C. The CD40L MET1 IVT RNA was pooled, aliquoted and stored at −85±10° C. The yield was >65 mg CD40L MET1 IVT RNA.

In a third step, CD40L MET1 IVT RNA was capped and polyadenylated in vitro. Vaccinia Virus Capping Enzyme and 2′-O-Methyltransferase were used to produce an RNA with a Type I cap structure indistinguishable from the cap formed on RNA transcripts in eukaryotic cells. Briefly, 40 mg CD40L MET1 IVT RNA, 47.566 mL nuclease free water, 6.7 mL 10× Capping Buffer (0.5 M Tris-HCl (pH 8.0), 60 mM KCl and 12.5 mM MgCl₂; from Epicentre Biotechnologies ScriptCap™ Cap 1 Capping Kit), 6.7 mL 10 mM GTP and 334 μL 20 mM S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) were combined in a 250 mL flask and prewarmed for 15±2 minutes in a 37±1° C. shaking water bath. 2.7 mL of 10,000 U/mL ScriptCap™ Capping Enzyme (Vaccinia Virus Capping Enzyme) and 2.7 mL of 0.1 mg/mL ScriptCap™2′-O-Methyltransferase (both from Epicentre Biotechnologies) were added and the flask was incubated for 60±5 minutes in a 37±1° C. shaking water bath set to a speed of 60 rpm. Following this incubation, 33.8 mL nuclease-free water, 13.4 mL 10×A Plus™ Reaction Buffer (0.5 M Tris-HCl (pH 8.0), 2.5 M NaCl and 100 mM MgCl₂) and 13.4 mL 10 mM ATP were added to the flask, which was then prewarmed for 15±2 minutes in a 37±1° C. shaking water bath set to a speed of 60 rpm. 5.4 mL of 4000 U/mL A-Plus™ Poly(A) Polymerase (Epicenter Biotechnologies) was added and the flask was incubated for 60±5 minutes in a 37±1° C. shaking water bath set to a speed of 60 rpm. The capped and polyadenylated RNA was then purified using RNeasy™ Maxi Kits (Qiagen) Specifically, the contents of the flask containing the capped and polyadenylated IVT CD40L MET1 RNA were transferred to a 1000 mL bottle containing 500 mL RLT buffer (Qiagen) and 5 mL 2-mercaptoethanol and mixed by swirling. 367 mL nuclease-free 100% ethanol was added and mixed by vigorous swirling. 15 mL of this solution was applied to each of 10 RNeasy™ Maxi Columns (Qiagen). The columns were centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 3 minutes at 25° C. in a SORVALL® RT7 centrifuge equipped with a swinging bucket rotor and 50 ml tube adaptors. The flow-through was discarded and 15 mL of the remaining IVT RNA was loaded onto each of the 20 columns. The columns were centrifuged again at 4000 rpm for 3 minutes at 25° C. and the flow-through was discarded. This process was repeated until all of the remaining RNA was bound to the columns. The columns were centrifuged one additional time and then were washed two times with 10 ml per column of Qiagen RPE Buffer with Ethanol (85 mL Qiagen RPE Buffer and 340 mL of 100% nuclease-free ethanol) and centrifuged one time at 4000 rpm for 3 minutes at 25° C. after the first wash and two times after the second wash. The IVT capped and polyadenylated CD40L MET1 RNA was eluted by adding 1.3 mL nuclease-free water to each column, incubating at 30±1° C. in a dry incubator for 8-10 minutes, and then collecting the eluate by centrifugation at 4000 rpm for 3 minutes at 25° C. The RNA was eluted two more times by adding 1.3 mL nuclease-free water to each column, incubating at 30±1° C. in a dry incubator for 8-10 minutes, and then collecting the eluate by centrifugation at 4000 rpm for 3 minutes at 25° C. The IVT RNA eluates were pooled and filtered using a sterile 150 mL PES Membrane filter vacuum unit, aliquoted and stored at ≦−150° C., until use in transfecting dendritic cells. The yield was ≧41 mg capped and polyadenylated CD40L MET1 IVT RNA. In preferred transfection protocols using HIV antigen RNA, 1 μg CD40L MET1 RNA is cotransfected with 1 μg HIV Gag RNA, 1 μg HIV truncated Vpr RNA, 1 μg HIV Rev RNA and 0.25 μg HIV Nef RNA per 10⁶ dendritic cells. In preferred transfection protocols using total tumor RNA, 3 μg CD40L MET1 RNA is cotransfected with 2 μg of total tumor RNA per 10⁶ dendritic cells.

Use of the Rotavirus Gene 6 3′ UTR to Improve Translation of RNA

The original observation (above) that the Rotavirus gene 6 3′ UTR enhances the expression of CD40L protein was tested in a number of alternative sequences. The Om1A cDNA, which encodes a pneumonia antigen, was kindly provided by the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO). The cDNA sequence was subcloned into RNA expression vector pGEM4Z64A-SphI with or without a 3′ Rot 6 sequence in the 3′ UTR. The RNA was capped in a post-transcriptional reaction and polyadenylated. Western blot analysis of in vitro translated products from Om1A or Om1A Rot 6 RNAs detected specific bands of the expected molecular weight in reactions containing Om1A RNA template using specific anti-Om1A antisera. There is a light increase in a band intensity from Om1A Rot6 template compared to Om1A template (FIG. 32).

The Tryp-2 coding sequence, which encodes a melanoma associate antigen, was subcloned into a pGEM4Z64A-Sph1 plasmid with or without Rot6 3′ UTR modification. The RNAs were transcribed and capped co-transcriptionally with ARCA and polyadenylated post transcriptionally. In vitro translation studies of ³⁵S-labeled Om1A or Om1A Rot 6 showed expression level from Tryp-2 Rot 6 is higher compared to that of Tryp-2 RNA (FIG. 33). A more extensive analysis was then performed in DCs. Various capped RNAs were prepared from Tryp-2 or Tryp-2 Rot 6 template. For all ARCA RNAs a co-transcriptional method of capping was used; for all m7G caps (type 0 or type I) a post-transcriptional method of capping was used. The RNAs were transfected into DCs and the expression levels were monitored using anti-Tryp-2 specific antibody at 4 hrs or 24 hours post-electroporation. FIG. 34 shows that for all types of caps studied, expression levels achieved with the Rot6 3′UTR were slightly higher that in the corresponding counterpart without Rot6 3′ UTR. For example, m7G type I capped RNA with Rot 6 3′ UTR demonstrated higher level of staining intensity and percent positive cells. This trend applies to all types of caps examined.

The IL-4 murine cDNA was subcloned into a RNA transcription vector with or without the Rot6 3′ UTR modification. Various capped RNAs were synthesized using the ARCA co-transcriptional method of capping or m7G (type 0 or type I) post-transcriptional capping. All RNAs were polyadenylated in a post-transcriptional polyadenylation reaction. The effect of the Rotavirus gene 6 3′ UTR sequence was especially pronounced when RNA was capped co-transcriptionally with ARCA using 4 ug RNA per million DC. The trend is noticeable in all types of caps tested when 4 ug RNA is used for transfection (FIG. 35).

In an additional experiment, levels of expression of IL-4 from m7G type I capped and polyadenylated RNA with or without Rot 6 3′UTR were compared. The effect of Rotavirus gene 6 3′ UTR sequence in the IL-4 RNA on the percent positive cells, intensity of intracellular staining (panel B) and secretion of a IL-4 cytokine measured by ELIZA (panel C). As seen in FIG. 36, panel A, there is an increase in the percent of cells positively stained at 21 hrs post electroporation when Rot6 3′ UTR modified RNA is used. Panel B shows that the intensity of intracellular staining with anti-IL4 antibody is greater at 4 hrs post-electroporation when the RNA is modified with Rot-6 3′ UTR. The effect of the rotavirus gene 6 3′ UTR is most pronounced when the level of IL-4 cytokine production is measured at 4 microgram RNA per million DC, where there is marked increase of the IL-4 cytokine level secretion which is even more pronounced at a later time points tested (panel C). 

1-9. (canceled)
 10. A vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding a recombinant CD40L polypeptide consisting of amino acid residues 21-261 of SEQ ID NO:2, wherein said vector is pARGCD40L. 11-24. (canceled)
 25. A dendritic cell which preferentially induces a population of CD28⁺ CD45RA⁻ memory/effector T cells from a population of antigen-specific T cells.
 26. A vaccine comprising the dendritic cell of claim
 25. 27. A method for preparing mature dendritic cells (DCs), comprising the sequential steps of: (a) signaling isolated immature dendritic cells (iDCs) with a first signal comprising an interferon gamma receptor (IFN-γR) agonist and a TNF-αR agonist to produce IFN-γR agonist signaled dendritic cells; and (b) signaling said IFN-γR agonist signaled dendritic cells with a second transient signal comprising an effective amount of a CD40L polypeptide to produce CCR7⁺ mature dendritic cells; wherein the CD40L polypeptide consists essentially of amino acid residues 21-261 of SEQ ID NO:2 or is a polypeptide having at least 80% sequence identity to amino acid residues 21-261 of SEQ ID NO:2.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the CD40L protein is encoded by an RNA corresponding to the cDNA of SEQ ID NO:30 or SEQ ID NO:33, or a variant which differs due to codon degeneracy, wherein said RNA is optionally capped and/or polyadenylated.
 29. The method of claim 27, wherein the dendritic cell is transfected with an mRNA encoding the CD40L polypeptide.
 30. The method of claim 27, wherein the dendritic cell is mature at the time of transfection.
 31. The method of claim 27, further comprising contacting said iDCs and/or said signaled DCs with PGE₂.
 32. The method of claim 27, wherein steps (a) and (b) further comprise contacting said cells with GM-CSF and at least one of IL-4 or IL-13.
 33. The method of claim 27, wherein the cells in step (a) are contacted with TNF-α.
 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising contacting the cells in step (a) with PGE₂.
 35. The method of claim 27, wherein the IFN-γR agonist is IFN-γ.
 36. The method of claim 27, wherein the first signal comprises IFN-γ, TNF-α and PGE₂.
 37. The method of claim 27, wherein the first signal comprises IFN-γ, TNF-α and PGE₂ and step (b) comprises transfecting said dendritic cells with an RNA encoding said CD40L polypeptide.
 38. The method of claim 27, further comprising contacting the immature dendritic cells and/or IFN-γR agonist signaled dendritic cells and/or CCR7⁺ mature dendritic cells with a compound selected from the group consisting of: galactosylceramides, glycosylceramides, galactofuranosylceramides, arabinopyranosylceramides, α-C-galactosylceramides and α-S-galactosylceramides.
 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the compound is a galactosylceramide.
 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the galactosylceramide is (2S,3S,4R)-1-O-(alpha-D-galactopyranosyl)-2-(N-hexacosanoylamino)-1,3,4-octadecanetriol (KRN7000).
 41. The method of claim 27, wherein the CD40L polypeptide consists of amino acid residues 21-261 of SEQ ID NO:2. 